It’s been a bumper year for mugwort! The plants in the garden are really quite beautiful and twice the size they normally are – this is obviously a drought resistant herb!
Mugwort is originally native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, but it now grows in many parts of the world, including North America. Traditionally used in Chinese, Indian and European medicine for gastrointestinal and gynaecological problems – during the Middle Ages mugwort was known as the ‘mother of herbs’.
Today, mugwort is used for stress-related problems conditions such as tension and anxiety, high blood pressure and insomnia. Some people drink mugwort tea to promote relaxation and encourage vivid or lucid dreaming. Its bitter and aromatic tastes are used to stimulate digestive enzymes, increase appetite, enhance the flow of bile from the liver and ease wind and indigestion.
Historically mugwort was classed as an emmenagogue to bring on menstruation, and it has been used to regulate menstrual cycles, ease menstrual cramps and stimulate menstrual flow.
Salves and washes made from mugwort can be applied to bruises, minor itches, eczema and skin sores, and after burn injuries it can be used in combination with other ingredients, such as aloe vera and lavender, to help speed healing and reduce scarring.
My students often collect mugwort to make smudge sticks to clear negative energy and cleanse the atmosphere, combining it with aromatic herbs like lavender and rosemary – also collected from the garden.
Precautions:
Do not use if you are pregnant or trying to conceive as mugwort stimulates the uterus and can promote menstruation or cause contractions.
If you are allergic to ragweed, birch pollen, celery or carrots you may experience cross-reactivity and allergic reactions to mugwort.
Mugwort contains a chemical called thujone, which means that it could be harmful in large doses or taken for long periods of time – more does not mean better!
