Species: Artemisia vulgaris
Common names: Mugwort, Common Mugwort, Motherwort, Old Woman (Aldy Fraw), Felon Herb
History/Folklore: Believed to be the first of the nine sacred herbs given to the world by Odin as an antidote for poison and to heal infections, Mugwort is an ancient herb referenced throughout history. It has been mentioned in Chinese poetry prior to 3 BC and utilized in Ancient Egypt and Greece. Mugwort has had a wide array of uses, both medicinally and magically throughout the ages.
Mugwort has been called the “mother of herbs” mainly due to its use in the treating female reproductive disorders. It has been used in Ayurvedic practices, Chinese medicine and European herbalism to help regulate menses. Brewed in a tea it has also been used to aid in digestion and relief of gas.
Throughout history, mugwort has been used as protection against evil and psychic attack. Travelers wore sprigs to protect them on their travels. Ancient Romans were said to place mugwort in their sandals to help ease road weary feet. Many cultures burn Mugwort to clear the air of negative energy and to frighten away evil spirits.
Appearance:The leaves are dark green on top with a silvery, downy underside. Reaches a height of 3 to 6 feet. The pale yellow/white or pink flowers are small oval heads on long terminal panicles.
Parts Used: flowering tops and leaves
Collection: Harvest leaves before flowering. Cut flowering tops when in bloom.
Actions: tonic, emmenagogue, nervine, diuretic, diaphoretic, anti fungal.
Indications: helps normalize menstrual flow, helps reduce stress and anxiety, aids in digestion while reducing gas, expelling of parasitic worms
Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy.
Cultivation: Perennial to zone 3. Plant 3-4 feet apart. Propagation is by root division or self seeding.
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Zones : 3-10
Plant Type: Perennial, Herb, Shrub
