AKA:
Altamisa, Armoise, Armoise Citronnelle, Armoise Commune, Armoise Vulgaire, Artémise, Artemisia, Artemisia Vulgaris, Artemisiae Vulgaris Herba, Artemisiae Vulgaris Radix, Carline Thistle, Felon Herb, Gemeiner Beifuss, Herbe aux Cent Goûts, Herbe de Feu, Herbe de la Saint-Jean, Herbe Royale, Hierba de San Juan, Nagadamni, Remise, Sailor's Tobacco, St. John's Plant, Tabac de Saint-Pierre, Wild Wormwood.
Propagation:
There are at least 12 species of Mugwort grown throughout the world. Mugwort is a tall and hardy European native with stout, angular, slightly hairy stems tinged with a purple hue. Leaves, which may be as long as 4 in (10 cm), are deeply divided with numerous lance-shaped, pointed segments, which may be toothed or entire. They are arranged alternately along the erect, grooved stem and are a dark green on top and pale green with downy hairs on the underside. Mugwort has a pungent aroma when the leaves are crushed. In late summer the small reddish-yellow disk flowers cluster in long spikes at the top of the plant. Mugwort may reach to 6 ft (2 m) or more in height. This tenacious herb has naturalized throughout North America and may be found growing wild in rocky soils, along streams and embankments, and in rubble and other waste places, particularly in the eastern United States. In some areas, including North Carolina and Virginia, mugwort is characterized as a noxious, alien weed. Mugwort root is about 8 in (20 cm) long with many thin rootlets. It spreads from stout and persistent rhizomes. Mugwort can be easily propagated via basal cuttings or by dividing the rhizomatous roots. Division of the roots can be done in the spring (before the new foliage appears) or fall, and establishing a cutting is best done in the late spring when new growth starts to appear.
History/Folklore:
Mugwort has a long history of folk tradition and use. Anglo-Saxon tribes believed that the aromatic mugwort was one of the nine sacred herbs given to the world by the god Woden. It was used as a flavoring additive to beer before hops (Humulus lupulus ) became widely used. Mugwort is considered a magical herb, with special properties to protect road-weary travelers against exhaustion. The Romans planted mugwort by roadsides where it would be available to passersby to put in their shoes to relieve aching feet. Mugwort was believed to be a plant that offered protection to humans and was burnt as an incense or hung-over doorways to keep evil spirits away from the home. In keeping with its link with Artemis, Mugwort has traditionally had a close and powerful affiliation with the moon. It was used to ease the pain of childbirth and the cramps that accompany monthly menstruation, as a uterine stimulant it was used to bring on delayed menstruation. There are a ton of lore and stories of its uses both medicinally and spiritually.
Medicinal:
It has been used to treat stomach and intestinal conditions, irregular periods, lack of energy, scarring, Stimulating the uterus, relieves itching in severe burn victims, Anxiety, Diarrhea, Cramps, High blook pressure, promote labor, depression, insomnia, Stomach ulcers, Stimulate gastric juices, Liver tonic, promotes circulation, a sedative.
***Do not use if pregnant, breast feeding, have allergies to plants such as ragweed, Chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and any other plant in the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Consult with your physician before using. ***
Spiritual:
Some of the magic in mugwort is in its reputed ability to induce prophetic and vivid dreams when the herb is placed near the bed or under the sleeper's pillow. In Pagan ceremony, a garland or belt of mugwort is worn while dancing around the fire during summer solstice celebrations. The herb is then thrown into the fire to ensure continued protection throughout the coming year. It is used as an incense, for smudging, or in spell work, protection against illness or bad luck, under your pillow to prevent astral attacks, or to ward off psychic attacks from those who would do you harm, attract the Fae, Create a magic broom or besom with mugwort woven into it, and use it to sweep negative energies from your home, protection, dreams, psychic power, strength and creativity, Hang a bag of mugwort near doorways to prevent unwanted visitors.
Summary:
In conclusion, this unusual plant has a great many powers and benefits, but it is delicately balanced by its potential to harm as it can be toxic in large amounts. Always consult your physician before trying any of these herbs I talk about on here but especially this one. I have used it myself and the taste leaves much to be desired, but the calming effects have been great during meditation and divination and to calm anxiety attacks. I am cautious when using and don’t use it more than a couple of times a month at most. I encourage each of you to explore this and other plants that the universe has provided to us. Each has its own blessings to give if we respect it.
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