Mugwort

Artemisia vulgaris
Kingdom: Plantae
Subclass: Asteridae
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae- Aster family
Genus: Aremisia L.- sagebrush
Species: Artemisia vulgaris
·Other Names
Artemisa, Carline Thistle, Chiu Ts'Ao, Common Mugwort, Douglas Mugwort, Felon herb, Sailor’s tobacco, Wormwood, Old Woman, Mugwort, Moxa, Traveler’s Herb, Artemis Herb, Felon Herb, Muggons, Old Man, Cingulum Sancti Johannis aka St. John’s plant (NOT St. Johnswort), Ai ye or Hao-shu, , Cronewort, , Wild Chrysanthemum, Armoise, Chrysanthemum Weed, Muggons, Naughty Man , Old Man , Old Uncle Henry,
About
Mugwort is a shrubby perennial, with dark green deeply indented leaves and with several clusters of small reddish or yellow flower heads.
It grows frequently and wildly on hedges and waysides in most parts of England.
It is a tall-growing plant (up to 3 ft, or 1 m in height)
The stems are angular and often of a purplish hue.
The leaves are smooth and of a dark green tint on the upper surface, but covered with a dense cottony down beneath and may be as long as 4 in (10 cm). They are deeply divided with numerous lance-shaped, pointed segments. They are arranged alternately along the erect, grooved stem
The flowers are in small oval heads with cottony clusters and are either reddish or pale yellow, in long spikes at the top of the plant
Mugwort is closely allied to the Common Wormwood, but may be easily distinguished by the leaves being white on the under-surfaces only and by the leaf segments being pointed, not blunt. It lacks the essential oil of the Wormwood.
Mugwort has a pungent aroma when the leaves are crushed..
This herb has naturalized and spread throughout America. It can be found growing wild in rocky soils, along streams, embankments, and in rubble and other waste places.
It can be found particularly in Eastern States and in some areas such as North Carolina and Virginia, it has been classed as a noxious weed.
It is often grown in Moon gardens.

FOLKLORE
Artemisia douglasiana was named after a Scottish botanist. The Scottish botanist was named David Douglas (1798-1834) who made many trips to the Americas. He identified many California species of plants. It has historical ancestors going all the way back into the Quaternary age of the world. Fossils of plant have been found to have the same stem composites as the sage family. There are many theories as to how this plant was named. One is that it was added to beer before hops for seasoning (drinking out of mugs). Another is that it was named such because it is good at keeping moths out of clothes and areas (globalherbalsuppli es.com).
It is said to have derived its name from being used to flavor drinks. It was used to a great extent for flavoring beer before the introduction of hops. For this purpose, the plant was gathered when in flower and dried (the fresh herb being considered unsuitable for this object) malt liquor was then boiled with it so as to form a strong decoction, and the liquid thus prepared was added to the beer. Until recent years, it was still used in some parts of the country to flavour the table beer brewed by cottagers.It has also been suggested that the name, Mugwort, may be derived not from 'mug,' the drinking vessel, but from moughte (a moth or maggot), because from the days of Dioscorides, the plant has been regarded, in common with Wormwood, as useful in keeping off the attacks of moths. The Name Artemisia is from the Goddess Artemis (1st century AD) who inspired the plants genus name. Mugwort played a large role in Native American folklore .It was smoked, drank and burned for rituals. It was believed if one were to rub their bodies with the leaves that the odor would keep away ghosts. It was rubbed the leaves on ones body to keep ghosts away or wearing a necklace to prevent dreaming of the dead. Mugwort has been known since the ancient times. Roman centurions used mugwort inside their sandals, so that their feet could remain in great shape. They planted mugwort by roadsides where it would be available to passersby to put in their shoes to relieve aching feet. Ancient Europeans and Asians in treating various ailments.The wise Chinese have been using mugwort for centuries now, and one of its best known uses is in the ancient art of acupuncture, where the heat from a burning roll of chopped mugwort leaves in the shape of a cigar is applied on certain selected points on the patient’s body. This therapy is used as one of the main ingredients in ‘moxa’ or ‘moxibustion’. Egyptians also used mugwort, and it was always recommended that pregnant women DO NOT use it (as an ingestion) because it was known to cause women to miscarry, which is also why it helped induce labour. Lucid dreams and hallucinations where possible if they drank in form of a tea. Ingestion of mugwort for 10 consecutive days could also cause illnesses and sometimes death
The Greek physician Dioscorides of the 1st century AD supposedly stated that the Goddess Artemis used the herb to offer succor to women in the throes of labour and childbirth.The Physicians of Myddfai, a thirteenth century Welsh herbal remedy collection, contains these important words, “"If a woman be unable to give birth to her child let the mugwort be bound to her left thigh. Let it be instantly removed when she has been delivered, lest there should be hemorrhage. Similarly, an eighteenth century Spanish herbalist, Diego de Torres is known to have said that using an application of mugwort as a plaster below the woman’s navel would induce labor in the woman. In the Middle Ages a crown made from its sprays was worn on St. John's Eve to gain security from evil possession.The plant was known as Cingulum Sancti Johannis, as it was believed that John the Baptist wore a girdle of it in the wilderness- a crown made from its sprays was worn on St. John's Eve to gain security from evil possession. In Holland and Germany if gathered on St. John's Eve it gave protection against diseases and misfortunes.There were many superstitions connected with it: it was believed to preserve the wayfarer from fatigue, sunstroke, wild beasts and evil spirits generally. Mugwort oil can be used as anointing oil for its connection to Artemis and the lunar cycles. Anglo-Saxon tribes believed that the aromatic mugwort was one of the nine sacred herbs given to the world by the god Woden. Mugwort is considered a magical herb, with special properties to protect road-weary travellers against exhaustion. Culpepper directs that the tops of the plant are to be used fresh gathered, and says: a very slight infusion is excellent for all disorders of the stomach, prevents sickness after meals and creates an appetite, but if made too strong, it disgusts the taste. The tops with the flowers on them, dried and powdered, are good against agues, and have the same virtues with wormseed in killing worms. The juice of the large leaves which grows from the root before the stalk appears is the best against the dropsy and jaundice, in water, ale, wine, or the juice only. The infusion drank morning and evening for some time helps hysterics, obstruction of the spleen and weakness of the stomach. Its oil, taken on sugar and drank after, kills worms, resists poison, and is good for the liver and jaundice. eyes like the leaves, hence the root should be accounted among the best stomachics. The oil of the seed cures quotidians and quartans. Boiled in lard and laid to swellings of the tonsils and quinsy is serviceable. It is admirable against surfeits. Wormwood and vinegar are an antidote to the mischief of mushrooms and henbane and the biting of the seafish called Draco marinus, or quaviver; mixed with honey, it takes away blackness after falls, bruises, etc.,WithPellitory of the Wall used as poultice to ease all outward pains. Placed among woolen cloths it prevents and destroys the moths.'Another old writer affirmed that Mugwort was good 'for quaking of the sinews
Dr. John Hill extols its virtues, and says:
'Providence has placed it everywhere about our doors; so that reason and authority, as well as the notice of our senses, point it out for use: but chemistry has banished natural medicines.'

Dioscorides praises this herb, and orders the flowering tops to be used just before they bloom.
The dried leaves were, sixty or seventy years ago, in use by the working classes in Cornwall as one of the substitutes for tea, at a time when tea cost 7s. per lb., and on the Continent Mugwort is occasionally employed as an aromatic culinary herb, being one of the green herbs with which geese are often stuffed during roasting.
Sheep are said to enjoy the herbage of the Mugwort, and also the roots. The plant may, perhaps, be the Artemesia of Pontos, which was celebrated among the ancients for fattening these animals. It is said to be good for poultry and turkeys.
Mugwort was used in concoctions to treat rheumatism. Later in European history, Mugwort was used as a nervine to ease the symptoms of epilepsy and palsy. It has also been used as a uterine stimulant and treatment for amenorrhea, especially in conjunction with Cramp Bark. Mugwort has also been used in the treatment of constipation, depression, anxiety, and vomiting. Recently, research has focused on the antibacterial and antifungal properties of Mugwort. In addition to its healing properties, Mugwort is also a good natural source of Vitamin C, beta carotene, fiber, calcium, zinc, and Quercetin.

MAGICKAL
Mugwort is a versatile sacred herb.
It can be used for spiritual cleansing, protection, healing, and consecration, and it can aid dream work, trance, and intuitive development.Associated with the Full Moon and with the Summer Solstice since ancient times, Mugwort also is suitable for rituals year round.It can be used as a ritual tool in many ways- a garland crown, or ritual head wreath, can be easily fashioned from one or more freshly cut Mugwort stalks.
Make a Mugwort smudge stick. Wave the burning smudge stick back and forth to move the smoke around to consecrate the ritual place and participants.Fresh or dried leaves, flowers, and sprigs of Mugwort can be used as an offering in personal and group rituals. Leave Mugwort offerings at a shrine, place on the ground, or cast into a sacred fire.Use dried, sturdy, mature stalks that are at least 1/4 inch thick to make a scared wand. Dip the Mugwort aspersing wand into a chalice or bowl of ritual water, and then flick water droplets onto the place, ritual objects, or participants for consecration. Dried Mugwort stalks can be burned in combination with Oak and other sacred woods in ceremonial fires. Dried Mugwort leaves and flowers also are good additives to sacred fires.
Make a Mugwort sachet or pillow, smell its fragrance as you do an affirmation to bless sleep, guide dreaming, and aid dream recall and interpretation upon awaking. Mugwort is most famous for it’s use as a "Dream" herb. It is known to enhance dreaming, both in sleep and in Shamanic Journeying and other trance work. It is said to enhance whatever level of dreaming one is developed in. For example, if one can not remember one’s dreams, Mugwort will enhance and help the individual to develop this. If one is at the next level of dreaming, cognitive dreaming Mugwort will enhance this. The final level is precognitive dreaming; dreaming of future events. No matter what level one is dreaming Mugwort will help you to develop your abilities. But beware, for until you become proficient your dreams may, at first, be difficult to deal with. Don’t be discouraged; practice makes perfect. If you desire you might study under an experienced Dreamer or Shaman. Keeping a journal would be advantageous. Some people say that their dreams become "Technicolor" after taking Mugwort.
Toss into a burning fireplace or wood stove and it will protect you from lightening; though if you simply burned it in the fire place or stove by itself I would think you would get the same effect

For use in scrying, place some Mugwort potion in a dark colored ritual bow and meditatively gaze into it in subdued light. Mugwort is also burned with sandalwood or wormwood during scrying rituals, and a Mugwort infusion is drunk (sweetened with honey) before divination.The infusion is also used to wash crystal balls and magic mirrors, and Mugwort leaves are placed around then base of the ball (or beneath it) to aid in psychic workings. It is useful in aiding clairvoyant potential in that it helps relax and still your analytical mind, therefore letting your subconscious mind bring forth creative visions. Mugwort can also be used for scrying the Tattwa Cards, Tarot and for astral projection. It is best to cut Mugwort in the waning moon for scrying purposes and, of course, just before it has flowered so it is at its most potent. Store dry herb with your scrying tools as well as any tools you use for Dreaming/Journey work, such as drums, beater sticks and rattles. Oil made from fresh can be used to anoint these objects also. An infusion (strong tea) can be used to wash them. Placed next to the bed it aids in achieving astral projection. In addition, Mugwort also can be used as a sacred flavoring in ritual brews and foods. At the culmination of a home blessing rite, hang a fresh Mugwort sprig above the main door into your home for protection and good fortune. Hang a Mugwort sprig or wreath above your bed to bless sleep and dreaming. Mugwort has many uses as charms. Fill an amulet bag with Mugwort, energize it, and wear it around your neck for healing, spiritual growth, and intuition. Put a pouch of Mugwort in the glove compartment of your vehicle or hang a Mugwort amulet bag from your rear view mirror to bless your travels. In addition, Mugwort can be combined with other ingredients in making amulets and charms for a variety of purposes. Grow Mugwort in a ritual garden. Create a year round ceremonial circle with a Mugwort hedge. Grow Mugwort next to your home to bless and protect it. Meditate and commune with living Mugwort for relaxation, healing, and inspiration. Place Mugwort in the shoes to gain strength during long walks or runs. For this purpose pick Mugwort before sunrise, saying: Tollamteartemesia, ne lassussim in via.
According to ancient tradition, when carrying Mugwort you cannot be harmed by poison, wild beasts or sunstroke. In a building, Mugwort prevents 'dark elves' and 'evil things' from entering, and branches of
Mugwort are used in Japan by the Ainus to exorcise spirit's of disease who are thought to hate the odor.
In China, it is hung over the doors to keep evil spirits from buildings. Mugwort is also carried to increase lust and fertility, to prevent backache, and to cure disease and madness. Placed next to the bed it aids in achieving astral projection. It is a Moon herb, intensely cleansing, and can be used for anything relating to divination, healing, and purification. Though Cunningham refers to her as an Earth energy plant she is known as a Moon plant also in regards to her sacredness to Artemis (Dianna) who is a Moon Goddess. Also from her assistance in woman’s Menstrual/Moon cycles. Gladstar recommends it as a Dream Herb during a woman’s Moon Time. Mugwort and the other Artemisias, , are named after Artemis, the Greek moon goddess, identified with the Roman Diana. Artemis revived plants each night with her refreshing dew, while her twin brother Apollo, the sun god, sent the sun’s rays, both essential to the growth and wellbeing of the plant world. As the moon goddess, Artemis was regarded as the patron and protector of women, to influence their fertility, regulate their menstrual cycles and to watch over them in childbirth. For thousands of years women giving birth have evoked her aid and given prayers and offerings to ensure a safe delivery, and given thanks to her afterward.The healing power of the plants named after Artemis reflects her influence in the sphere of women’s health, and explains why ever since the time of Hippocrates, Pliny and Dioscoridemugwort has been considered the female remedy par excellence
It would be a good herb to burn before casting runes due to the association with the Anglo-Saxon “Nine Herbs Charm”
Crowley attributes Mugwort to Number 13. It is therefore harmonious with ideas such as Luna, the High Priestess, Hecate, Silver-bluish- greenish colors, moonstone, pearl and crystal. The number 13 is the number of Witchcraft of the dark variety - I don't mean negative, but of the waning and dark moon
In Hoodoo Folk Magic, Spell-Craft, and Occultism it is said to provide safety and protection on journeys and make them more pleasant by eliminating any interference. It also is said to be beneficial for those practicing a variety of psychic, visionary work, scrying and crystal gazing. A tea is made by many to cleanse crystals and it is burned on charcoal to bring forth protective spirits.
GENDER : Feminine.
PLANET : Venus.
ELEMENT : Earth.
DEITIES : Morrigan , Artemis, Áine, Venus
POWERS : Strength, Psychic Powers, Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Healing ,Astral Projection
Habitat and growing conditions:
Grows almost everywhere around the world. .
Can be intrusive in a garden. Grows up to 8 feet in The Garden. Look for it that tall as well as low as 18" in city lots and road sides.
Growing the Herb
Mugwort grows easily from cuttings taken in Winter. It likes to grow where there is a damp place - it likes to keep its toes wet. It has long thin leaves, green on the top and silver underneath and it reaches about three feet tall. The taste is rather bitter, but I like it.
It can be grown almost anywhere! It can be grown with some care and it really is a fascinating herb with many great uses! It's a herb that can tower up to 10 foot in the right conditions. It's hard to resist growing at least one plant if you love herbs.
Mugwort grows in most soils and in any location. It's very drought tolerant and adaptable to almost any conditions. It's reputation for being invasive is deserved, BUT if you grow it, harvest it before it goes to seed and keep an eye on it, you should be okay. It's sort of a catch-22 with an herb like mugwort. You can put it in the soil, and let it go on its merry way, and it will grow without any attention to its needs, but at the same time it will spread until something or someone stops it.
You can grow it from seed or buy one (just one) plant to start you on your way. The seeds need light to germinate, and will need to be kept at 45 degrees or so for a couple of weeks in order to encourage germination. The refrigerator will work for this. Take them out after the chilling period and place them in a bright, warm location until germination.