Botanical Name: Artemisia specoes (A. douglassii, A. vulgaris, A. garyii)
Plant Family: Asteraceae, Compositae Family
Parts Used: Leaves and Flowers
Actions: Digestive, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Bitter, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Decongestant, Sedative, Nervine, Diuretic, Cholagogue, Expectorant, Emmenagogue, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Anti-fungal, Styptic (Systems affected: Spleen, Liver, Kidneys)
Energetics: Warming, drying
Tastes: Bitter, Pungent, somewhat Astringent
Habitat: Mugwort is found in various locations. Like the moon it has many phases. It can be found in high desert, the southwestern desert, and the riparian zones. It is also found on roadsides, railroads, fallow agricultural land with a lot of nitrogen still in it, sandy, open ground, prefers lime-rich soils (or showing up outside of my herb kitchen!).
Identification: Mugwort is an artemisia species that has many growth habits. It is a perennial that will come back year after year. It’s silver hues catch one’s eye- and also confuses it with sage brush, wormwood, etc. The leaves are simple, alternate, and deeply lobed. The leaves have a soft, gray/white hairs- most apparent on the undersides. The leaves come off of a woody stem that can reach up to five feet tall. If you are ever in doubt of whether you are looking at mugwort- just smell it and the aroma will let you know!
Collection: Collect mugwort before it goes into flower. This occurs in mid to late summer in the PNW. Cut the stem from below the last green leaves on the bundle to hang or collect leaves sparingly from stalks.
This is a picture of four different types of Artemisia species. From left to right: A. douglasii, A. vulgaris, A. garyi, A. absinthium.
Preparations: Foot soaks, baths, tincture, oil, salves, tea (decoction, infusion), oxymel, vinegar, poultice, steam inhalation, smudge and moxa.
MUGWORT MEDICINE:
Digestive Bitter
Whether its indigestion, gas, bloating, poor appetite acid reflux or GERD– mugwort supports our digestive system. It can help with symptoms of IBS, or alternating diarrhea and constipation. It works with the Liver in moving blood and qi while further releasing stagnation (from injury or from poor eating habits). Nutritionally, mugwort contains vitamins A, C, K, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon and zinc.
Parasites
Mugwort is in the Artemisia genus- also associated with wormwood. The two common names get mixed around- and so do their uses. While wormwood is more effective, mugwort is a gentle vermifuge and anthelmintic- also helping expel parasites.
Trauma Aid
Mugwort is relaxing and pain relieving. Commonly used in TCM as moxibustion, mugwort moves blood and qi. This opens the body where stagnation or cold have built up. It invigorates and integrates, making the body feel more at ease.
Circulation
The volatile oils of mugwort are stimulating. It helps warm up cold hands and feet- helping promote circulation in the body. It helps cold stiffness associated with rheumatism. Topically, mugwort can help with ailments such as achy, torn or pulled muscles, ligaments and tendons. The calcium and magnesium properties help the body find calm when it’s experiencing cramps, bumps, bruises and tightness.
Mugwort’s stimulating affects can bring on delayed menses- here it is known as an emmenagogue and uterine stimulant. It’s antispasmodic affects help with menstrual cramps- soothing the uterine muscles.
Fevers/ Cold/Flu
Mugwort can be helpful for treating any sort of chest congestion or respiratory disorders. It is most commonly used to help sweat out a fever. And is known for its strong antibacterial properties. In China, mugwort was used as a smudge to kill off any spike proteins associated with viruses.
Dreamtime
Mugwort has a reputation of helping people have lucid dreams. In general, mugwort helps people remember- this can help someone who day dreams or forgets their dreams. It can also help those with an abstract mind, remember more simple concepts.
Recipes:
Mugwort Oil
This is a folk remedy used externally soothe aches, sprains, spasms.
Ingredients:
Wilted mugwort
Mason jar
Olive oil
Directions:
Wilt fresh mugwort for 1-2 days (hang dry).
Once herb is thoroughly wilted and leaves are almost crisp dry, chop up herb and fill jar to brim.
Pour over olive oil. Stir out bubbles.
Cover with cheese cloth and set in warm location for 2-3 days; stirring daily.
Once herb has submerged into oil, cover with lid.
Let infuse for 2-3 weeks.
Decant and keep oil out of sunlight.
Use externally as a massage oil or add to bath!
Mugwort Tincture
Ingredients:
Fresh Mugwort
Mason jar
Vodka (ideally 95% alcohol)
Directions:
Chop mugwort (including stem, and leaves) into mason jar.
Once filled to top brim, cover with vodka.
Let infuse for 6-8 weeks.
Strain and store in amber tincture jar.
Dosage: take 45 drops in water 3-8x/day from indigestion, gallbladder pain, muscle tension, chronic infection, shingles and other pain.
Mugwort Salt Bath
Ingredients:
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 cup boiling water
Directions:
Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoonful of oregano.
Let infuse for 10-15 minutes.
This should be drunk 3 times/ day.
Help with cold and flu, lung and sinus congestion.
Make your own Moxa
Resources
Herbal Roots Zine- Mugwort by Kristine Brown
Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore
Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plants by Scott Kloos
Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra