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Information about the herb Mugwort
Artemesia vulgaris , also known as Felon Herb, is part of the Compositae plant family. Mugwort is a perennial
shrubby plant found widely in England, Europe, Asia, North and South America.
Botanical Name: Artemesia vulgaris
Plant Family: Compositae
Common Names: Cingulum Sancti Johannis, Felon Herb, Sailor's Tobacco, St. John's Plant
History: The word Mugwort probably comes from moughte, meaning 'a moth or maggot', from its ability to repel moths.
In the middle ages it was known as Cingulum Sancti Johannis in the belief that St. John the Baptist wore a girdle of it in the wilderness.
The Native American Indian used Mugwort for:
- bronchitis
- colds
- fever
- rheumatism
- wounds (poultice)
Tradition: Mugwort
- was placed under a pillow to produce good dreams and allow astral traveling
- was rubbed on magical tools to increase their powers (fresh leaves)
- was used to cleanse crystals and mirrors (infusion)
- was believed to protect the wayfarer from fatigue, sunstroke, wild beasts and evil spirits
- was carried to prevent poisoning and stroke
- was used in divination incenses
- was worn as a crown on St. John's Eve to be protected from evil possession
Contains:
- acrid resin
- tannin
- volatile oil
Action:
- appetizer [an agent that excites the appetite]
- cholagogue [an agent for increasing the flow of bile into the intestines]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- digestive [aids the digestive system]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]
- nervine [an agent that has a calming or soothing effect on the nerves, any agent that acts on the nervous system to restore the nerves to their natural state]
- purgative [an agent that produces a vigorous emptying of the bowels, more drastic than a laxative or aperient]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- stomachic (root) [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, root
Mugwort is used for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- epilepsy
- fits
- hysteria
- insomnia
- nervousness
- palsy
- shaking
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- digestive aid
- disorders of the stomach
- promotes proper digestion
- stimulates the appetite
- weakness of the stomach
Female Conditions
- induces menses (periods), especially combined with Cramp Bark, Pennyroyal or Southernwood
- obstruction of menstruation
- regulates menstruation
Inflammatory Conditions
- rheumatism
Liver Conditions
- beneficial effect on bile production
- jaundice
- stimulates the liver
Respiratory System Conditions
- bronchitis
- colds
Spleen Conditions
- obstructions of the spleen
Other
- antidote for opium
- headache (place a fresh leaf inside the nose)
- intermittent
fevers
Externally: Used in a bath with Agrimony and Chamomile to ease:
- gout
- rheumatism
- sore aching muscles
- tired legs
Fresh juice from the plant is used:
- to treat the irritation from poison oak
Other Uses:
- The downy parts of the leaves have been used in the preparation of Moxas used in Asian medicine
Caution:
- Excessive dosage can lead to symptoms of poisoning
- It should not be used by pregnant women
Global Herbal Supplies has Mugwort available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
