Page 191 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Mugwort, small, non-showy, reddish-brown or yellow disk flow-
ers that bloom in late summer/early autumn. The flow-
Artemisia vulgaris and ering stems grow to about 3 feet (0.9m) tall and have
hair only on the upper stems. They primarily propa-
Western Mugwort, gate via rhizomes.

A. ludoviciana Edible Use: Mugwort leaves are eaten raw or cooked
but are usually used as an herb, not as a side dish. They
Mugwort is the common name for several species of are slightly bitter and best eaten before the plant
Artemisia. Here we are discussing Artemisia vulgaris, blooms. Young shoots can be cooked. I make tea from
Common Mugwort or Felon Herb and Artemisia lu- the leaves, flowers, and roots. Mugwort can also be
doviciana, known as Western Mugwort or White Sage- used as a flavoring in beer to replace hops.
brush. The two species have similar medicinal proper- Medicinal Use: I use Mugwort as a tea, tincture or,

for external use, an oil. You can wrap and burn the
leaves as a smudge stick. The smoke is calming and
cleansing and is said to promote good dreams and to
clear an area of negative energy. Roll and bind the
leaves tightly and set fire to the tip. I use the flowers
for oil infusions and the leaves and roots for tinctures
and teas. You can also smoke it.
Menstrual Issues: Because it helps balance hor-
mones and is an antispasmodic, Mugwort leaf tea is
useful for treating menstrual issues. It is slightly toxic,
however, and should not be used during pregnancy.

Moderate doses are beneficial in balancing the repro-
ductive system. A tea made from the leaves and flowers
works well for the treatment of cramping, excessive
ties and can, for the most part, be used interchangea- bleeding, and bringing on menses. The smoke is also
bly. Do not confuse these with wormwood, Artemesia used to move a baby from a breech position.
absinthium, also in this book. They are in the As-
ter/Daisy Family and are native to Eurasia and natu- Digestive Issues: Mugwort leaf tea or tincture is
ralized in North America. very beneficial for the digestive system and is healing
and restorative for the intestine. It treats constipation,
Identification: Common Mugwort grows from 3 to diarrhea, gas, bloating, and intestinal worms. It is a
6 feet (0.9m to 1.8m) tall with an erect upright stem natural and gentle laxative that treats the underlying
that has a purple or dark reddish-brown tinge that be- problems by restoring balance.
comes woody with age. It is often found in disturbed
areas, along roadsides, and at the edges of woods and Liver Health: Mugwort increases bile secretion in
sunny meadows. Common Mugwort leaves are deeply the liver and helps detoxify the liver and the body.
lobed, alternate, and grow to about 4 inches (10 cm) in Heart Health: Mugwort promotes healthy circula-
length.
tion in the blood stream. It helps increase blood oxy-
The largest leaves are at the base of the plant, and genation and flow throughout the body. It improves
leaves become smaller and narrower towards the top blood cell generation, lessens the chance of blood clots,
of the stem. The topside of the leaf is green and is often and lowers blood pressure in hypertension.
(but not always) hairless, while the underside is white
or silvery with fine hairs (versus wormwood, which has Respiratory Issues and Asthma: Common
leaves that are silvery on both the top and bottom). The Mugwort helps relax bronchial tubes and open air-
deeply cut lobes are narrow and have smooth edges. ways. It can be made into a leaf tea or the steam can be
The leaves are slightly aromatic. Its flowers are very inhaled to help with bronchial inflammation.

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