The Moon Goddess Herb: Artemisia vulgaris
The Moon Goddess Herb: Artemisia vulgaris
Mugwort, the plant of the moon goddess, for the dreamers and mystics, named after Artemis, the Greek Goddess of the moon. You can count on this plant to bring forth all of the ethereal energy. Ruled By Venus and the feminine, along with the grounding Earth element, Mugworts' energetics span out beautifully.
Mugwort is the first plant I ever wildcrafted, and sat with. Sat with? This simply means I sat in a field of Mugwort, and listened for the whispers of the plant spirit. If you truly desire to understand the energetic and spiritual nature of a plant, I highly suggest meditating with them.
Mugwort opens up your mind and heart, and can be highly supportive for just about anyone.
A Snipit Of History:
Throughout time, Mugwort has been used as a protective ally. In folklore and magic, Mugwort was often given out to soldiers to carry or travelers to ward off "evil spirits", or even illnesses, and even death.
Additionally, Mugwort has long been used in dreamwork. Loose Mugwort stuffed in a pillow, may enhance and induce prophetic dreaming, and ancestral connection. Personally, I have found the most benefit in this intention while combining Rosemary and Gotu Kola for a bit of memory enhancement along with a pinch of Yarrow leaf or flower for more protection.
Mugwort originally was used in place of Hops for making beer, hence the saying: "mug of beer". Although, instead of the current effects of Hop's brewed beer being sedative and relaxing, Mugwort brewed beer is said to have influenced "radical thinking"; furthermore, being banned in the crafting of beer.
Smoking Mugwort:
Mugwort as sacred smoke is dreamy to say the least. It can be used as a base or supporting herb in a smoke blend beautifully. It may be considered slightly sedative and most definitely euphoric.
Mugwort is light and fluffy, allowing for a slow burn. The smell of Mugwort burning is quite unique and sometimes is mistaken for some pretty weak 70’s style cannabis.
The flavor of Mugwort is pretty neutral to slightly bitter. Energetically smoking Mugwort is known for its spiritual connection to personal intuition. Effects may range from euphoric feelings, to a floating weightless feeling, especially in the upper chakras. May also be calming, and anxiety reducing to most individuals.
Moxa:
Mugwort is used in Traditional Chinese "moxibustion". Moxa, for short, is a beautiful modality used to stimulate acupressure points, most of the time without needing. This is a super helpful modality for herbalists! Often for my herbal clients, I incorporate ear seeds, acupressure magnets, and suggest Moxa over the various points necessary associated with their wellness desires. I really love the Mac Stick On Mini Moxa.
My teacher, Bob Linde, always tells this story of a "Bearded Dragon With PTSD". After performing Moxa, Mugwort smoke puffed over the reptile, the bearded dragons' PTSD had dissipated. The dragon could now socialize again after being in shock due to his cage mates attacking him before.
Mugwort smoke particularly is a very powerful relief for many energetic and spiritual "parasites". Combining this with your herb wands to smoke cleanse your space is a great consideration.
Mugwort In Formulation:
Mugwort is antibacterial, antifungal, emmenagogue, blood mover, and bitter. It is energetically warm, so for someone who is experiencing stagnant cold and painful bleeding during their cycle Mugwort may be their friend.
Topically, for cramping and "cold" menses, "Moxa Packs" are golden. Internally in a formula maybe with some extra help from Dong Quai, Red Raspberry, along with other energetically specific appropriate herbs. Mugwort during menses is almost necessary addition most of the time. Even though great for some womens’ health ailments, Mugwort should not be used by pregnant women, for it increases bleeding.
Personally, one of my favorite ways to use Mugwort is infused in a vinegar extraction, combined with other plants for a delicious digestive bitters. It is very aromatic and allows for great digestive fire stimulation. Not to mention, Mugwort is relatively mineral rich so extraction via apple cider vinegar is favorable. Herbs higher on the mineral content side are extracted well in vinegar.
Mugwort Habitat:
Resilient Mugwort likes to be disturbed and can grow in “unfavorable” conditions. Mugwort is in the Asteraceae family. This European native is often spotted on the roadside, railroads, and in dry sandy fields. Mugworts’ silvery under leaves can be easily spotted gliding in the wind.
Mugwort is mostly found in the Eastern states (in Florida I miss seeing my friend Mugwort unless intentionally planted). This plant also is known to grow along creekside and often is my favorite location to harvest from. I find the leaves energetically feel more nutritious there. The silver shines more reflective, and the top leaves are a deeper forest green.
Be sure to harvest sustainably, and identify correctly any plant you wish to forage before consuming, of course.
Green Deane’s “Itemized” Plant Profile: Mugwort
“IDENTIFICATION: Artemisia vulgaris: Perennial weed with persistent rhizomes, may reach five feet tall, often reddish-brown in color, and become woody with age. Leaves two to four inches long, one to three inches wide, simple, alternate, deeply lobed, and have a distinctive aroma. Leaves on the upper portions of the plant are more deeply lobed and may lack petioles. Leaf undersides are covered with soft, white to gray hairs, while upper leaf surfaces may be smooth to slightly hairy. Flowers are inconspicuous occurring in clusters at the top of the plants. Individual heads are very small and on short stalks. Mugwort looks similar to the garden chrysanthemum as well as ragweed seedlings, which lack the distinctive aroma typical of mugwort. TIME OF YEAR: Flowers summer into fall, greenery available most of the season.”
Other Common Names Artemisia vulgaris:
Mugwort, Sailor's Tobacco, St. John's plant (not to be confused with St. John's wort-Hypericum perforatum), Naughty Man, Old Uncle Henry, Felon Herb, Artemisia.
Gee's Mugwort Medica Chart:
