Mugwort
Ah, common mugwort. Why do all of these extremely powerful plants just have to end in “wort”? Mugwort, St. Johns Wort, motherwort. Well, thorugh the name mugwort is “silly” (quoted from my 5 year old) Artomisia Vulgaris is far from silly. In fact, it kind of held center stage in 2015 when the Noble Prize in Medicine was awarded for the discovery of artemisinin, a compound of plant origin found in Artemisia Annua (annual mugwort), which inspired researched to study other properties of its genus.
‘Mugwort’ has been on people’s lips since the middle ages, however, being known as the “mother of herbs”. This species has been used in traditional Chinese, Hindu, and European medicine to regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and treat various gynecological diseases. Recently, researchers have proved that it exhibits properties:
1. antioxidant : molecules that help your body fight off ‘free radicals’ which are linked to diabetes and cancer.
2. hypolipidemic : lowers the levels of lipids in the blood = limited heart disease & helps with a healthy heart
3. hepatoprotective : ability to protect the liver
4. antisplasmdytic : supporesses muscle spasms
5. antilgesic : pain management
6. estrogenic
7. cytotoxic
8. antibacterial : agent that stops or kills the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi or viruses
9. anti fungal : destroying fungi or inhibiting their growth
10. hypotensive : lowering blood pressure
11. broncholytic : decreases resistance in respiratory
We believe this plant was brought to America in the 16th century but now it’s found all over the world except Antarctica. It’s believed the name was derived from the name of the Greek Goddess, Artemis, who is the park of pregnant women and newly delivered mothers. The healing properties of mugwort date all the way back to 1st century AD by Dioscorides in
Dicmateria Meica”. Dioscorides was a greek physician, pharmacologist, botanist and author of a 5-volume Greek encyclopedia about herbal medicine and related herbal substances. HIs work was sidesly spread for more than 1500 year and for nearly 2 millenia, he was regarded as the most prominent writer on plants and plant drugs.
Mugwort was also written about by Pliney the Elder in Naturalis Historia”. He was a Roman Author, naturalist, early philosopher, a naval and army commander of the early Roman Empireand a friend of Emperor Vesparian. He wrote “Naturalis Historia” - a 37 volume work covering an array of topics on human knowledge and the natural world which later would become a model for the encyclopedia.
Galen wrote about mugwort, too in “De Simplicium Medicamentorum Facultabitibus”. He was a Greek and Roman physician, surgeon, and philosopher, considered to be one of the most accomplished of all medican researchers of antiquity.
In medieval medicine, A. vulgaris also, known as “mater herbarium” (the mother of all herbs) was used for treating wounds, against grout and to remove leg fatigue as well as an attempt to treat fever. It gained popularity as a remedy for gastrointestinal ailments including stomach pain, diarrhea and intestinal colic.
During the Renaissance, thanks to the invention of printing by Johann Gutenburg, the holistic medicine flourished in Europe, lasting until the 18th century. During that time, in addition to women’s diseases, its spectrum was broadened to include spleen and liver diseases. Then in the 19th century, the spectrum broadened again to include epilepsy and neurosis as among indications for treatment with mugwort. Then in the 20th century, it was determined A. vulgaris should be used in the kitchen, not in the medicine cabinet.
Worldwide, we can see its abundant usage:
Asian medicine - alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort and treating gynecological diseases
China - cholera and leprosy. The essential oil of the species is used as a popular herbal medicine called “Ai Hao” and is prescribed for curing ulcers and diarrea.
Also used in traditional Chinese medicine, Hindu medicine (Unani), South American medicine and European folk medicine.
CAUTIONS:
Can cause allergies
Do not consume in large quantities and avoid when pregnant
”Due to uterine-stimulating effects of mugwort, it is advised to avoid using this plant in any form if you are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant. Do not attempt to use mugwort in moxibustion without working with a trained professional. Mugwort contains thujone, which can have neuro-toxic side effects when used in excess, so it’s not recommended to take as a tonic herb. Some people may be allergic to mugwort flowers.”
Mugwort traditionally has been used to soothe anxiety and due to its calming nature it’s often associated with sleep, but especially its effects on sleep. It’s said that mugwort helps the dreamer better remember their dreams, increases awareness during dreams, stimulates lucid dreaming and increases psychic activity. It’s believed to initiate clarity of the dream experience and bring awareness to the dream’s purpose in waking life. It’s a visionary herb that opens one to dreams of the future (Herbal Academy).
How you can prepare mugwort
It is a bitter herb so I recommend adding some mint.
Tea:
8oz. hot water
1 tsp. mugwort
1/2 tsp. mint
pinch of sugar or honey
Homemade Toner:
1 tbsp. mugwort
1 cup water
boil water and pour over herb, steep 30-40 minutes
place in glass container and use daily as a toner
Benefits: regulates oil production, fights acne and blackheads, reduces appearance of enlarged pores, tones and refreshes dull skin, improves skin blood circulation, improves appearance of find lines and wrinkles.
The Adev Farm website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitude for professional medical advice. The information provided does not intent to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is the reader’s responsibility to ensure proper plant identification & usage.
Please be aware that some plants are poisonous or can have adverse health affects. We are not health professionals, medical doctors or nutritionists. It is essential to consult with qualified professionals for verification of nutritional information, health benefits, and any potential risks associated with edible and medicinal plants mentioned in this website.