Artemisia Vulgaris
AKA Mugwort . Eldest of the worts. Ai Ye. Felon Herb. Old Uncle Henry. Sailor’s Tobacco Maiden Wort
Family | Compositae Family
Where it grows | It is native to both Asia and Europe. It commonly grows by the road and in other uncultivated places. Some see it as an invasive weed, because of its ability to survive and proliferate.
Herbal Actions | Anthelmintic. Diaphoretic. Diuretic. Emmenagogue. Nervine. Oneirogen. Stomachic
Body Systems |Digestive; Nervous; Reproductive
Parts Used | Leaves, Roots, Flowering Tops
Energetics |Bitter. Acrid. Warm
Medicinal Uses |
Body: Steadies Nerves and strengthens digestion; Minerals nourish bones and joints; Hormonal regulator and tonic for ovaries and uterus
Mind: Sharpens intuition and perception; strengthens memory
Heart: Reawakens the heart’s truest desires; strengthens the courage of one’s convictions; awakens wild and free nature
Soul: Reawakens awareness and embodiment of divine, fierce female energy and your deepest dreams
Used for moxibustion in Chinese Medicine
Contraindications | Some folks are allergic
Preparation Methods |
Gathering the yellow and red flowers and tincturing them
Smoke dried artemisia leaves and flowers
Eating the young leaves fresh; cooking with older leaves
Infused vinegar
Tea
Bath
Dosing Guidelines | Tea 1 cup over boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons and infuse in a closed vessel for 10-15 minutes 3X/day; Tincture (I:I) ½-2 ml, 3 X per day; Bath 2 cups dried leaves in ½ gallon of boiling water then add to bath
Jewish take on it | Though Mugwort does not appear in the Torah/Talmud (not that I know of), I find her actions on the soul to be very similar to our Bedtime Shema. As a dreaming ally, she helps us embark on our nighttime journeys, granting us access to a more vivid and tangible sleep time TV. The Shema that we say before bed has a similar purpose. We let go of the day and prepare for life on the pillow, " It is advisable for a person who goes to bed to take on the yoke of heaven (say the Shema) with full intention...for at the time of sleeping the whole world tastes the flavor of death...then every person's soul goes out and rises up, and the souls conceal themselves inside of the Shekinah (Zohar, Va'etchanan)." Whether it be hanging mugwort in your room or saying the Shema, we can choose to enter sleep with intention and purpose. There's so much to learn with our eyes closed! Perhaps try adding mugwort to your evening tea (or taking a bath infused with her leaves) and saying a line or two of the prayer....who knows what may happen?
Whether it be hanging Mugwort in your room or saying the Shema, we can choose to enter sleep with intention and purpose. Perhaps try adding Mugwort to your evening tea and saying a line or two of the prayer… who knows what may happen?
And remember… “Sleep is one-sixtieth of death; dream is one sixtieth of prophecy.” (Berachot 57b)
References |
Medical Herbalism, David Hoffmann
The Gift of Healing Herbs, Robin Rose Bennet
The Earthwise Herbal by Matthew Wood