What is Mugwort?
Body System Affinity
Digestive System, Pelvis/Uterus/Female Reproductive System, Gallbladder, Nervous System, Dream Time and Functions, Circulatory System, “Feminine Instincts” and Intuition (non-gender specific), Hormonal Axis (especially indicated with excess androgens)
Herbal Actions
Aromatic Bitter Tonic, Insecticidal (topical), Mild Anti-parasitic, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Mild Sedative, Circulatory Stimulant, Emmenagogue (brings on menses), Facilitates Birth, Cholagogue (stimulates bile production/secretion), Oneirogen (stimulates dream-like states of consciousness), Enhances Intuition, Anti-spasmodic, Nervine
Energetics
Warming, Drying, *Specifically indicated for conditions of coldness, stiffness, and spasm
Mugwort is a weedy, abundant herb that has medicinal and folkloric roots in many parts of the world. They have been utilized for medicine, magic, and culinary purposes in China, Japan, Korea, India/Nepal, and Europe with the most documentation. The latin name Artemisia (denoting this plant belongs to the Sage family) indicates an association of this plant with Artemis--goddess of wilderness, wild vegetation, the hunt, and a face/phase of the moon, showing a connection with an aspect of the complex divine feminine. A doctrine of signature for Mugwort is the shimmery, silvery underside of their leaves--further solidifying an association with Lunar energy. In medical astrology, Mugwort has crossover with Venusian energetics, as well.
Why we love this herb:
Through my time and practice as an herbalist, I’ve found Mugwort to be an initiator for many into the plant wisdom path. Mugwort is vital in traditions such as TCM (in the form of moxibustion), the Wise Woman Path/Midwifery, Plant Spirit Medicine, and Folk Magick. They are a complex herb that activates a part of our psyches and perception capabilities that many repress. We love Mugwort for their diverse physical properties, but watch in awe as a witness to their more subtle, intuitive intelligence. Hang Mugwort in your doorways to protect a space from spirits or influence. Use a dream pillow with Mugwort to increase dream activity and ward off nightmares!
