Mugwort has long been used for its potential health benefits. This includes digestive relief and arthritis reduction. More research is needed to investigate the potential side effects of Artemisia vulgaris in various forms and uses. An ode to Mugwort Most research into moxibustion comes from China and is generally of low quality. [1] Claims are made for its effectiveness for a wide variety of conditions, with some practitioners promoting it as a panacea. [1] Pregnancy [ edit ] Historically, experts have associated this herb with pregnancy loss, so many recommend that pregnant people avoid mugwort so as to minimize the risk of miscarriage.

Mugwort has been used with other herbs and botanicals to treat epilepsy and convulsions in children. Flowers: Flowers consist of small, yellow and reddish-brown heads that sprout from the upper parts of the plant in branching clusters. The flowers have seven to ten pale yellow thread-like pistils extending from the center. The stems, stalks, and bracts are light green from a covering of frosty hairs. Pinene: This terp can be both uplifting and sedating, with a fresh piney scent. Think of how you feel walking in a pine forrest—clear and relaxed.Moxibustion carries a risk of adverse effects including burns and infection. [1] Some side effects that have been reported include nausea, throat irritation, and abdominal pain from contractions when used in pregnancy.

Mugwort is a member of the Asteraceae family, so anyone with a sensitivity to marigolds, chrysanthemums etc will also be allergic to mugwort. However, many U.S. cities, and states, like New York and Louisiana, have outlawed mugwort when intended for human consumption. The law excludes the "possession, planting, cultivation, growing, or harvesting" of this plant when used "strictly for aesthetic, landscaping, or decorative purposes." To make mugwort vinegar, be sure to use dried mugwort; fresh herbs can introduce too much water into the concoction, which significantly reduces its shelf life and could eventually lead to the growth of mold. For the common European species of mugwort, see Artemisia vulgaris. Illustration of Artemisia vulgaris (1897) Mugwort is a herbacious perennial in the the daisy family, Asteraceae. It grows in US growing zones 4 through 8 in all types of soil, including very poor soil quality. It spreads easily, and is often considered an invasive weed due to its root structure of branched rhizomes.There are many traditional superstitions related to this herb. For example, people used to believe that mugwort could protect from fatigue, sunstroke, wild animals, and evil spirits. Many people also suggest that the Romans used to use mugwort in their sandals to relieve aching feet. Indeed, mugwort’s name may also have come from its traditional use to flavor beer; people used to serve it in mugs. Since then, I have had multiple inquiries about how to identify, acquire, and use mugwort, so I thought I would do a whole blog post about it! This will be the first in a series of posts about different herbs that are a part of my herbalism practice. JOHNSON, C. Pierpoint (1862). The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ... Illustrated by J. E. Sowerby. p.155. Mugwort is one of my favorite herbs due to its various, and sometimes even mystical properties. Its dynamic ability to enhance dreams, thoughts, and memory, as well as support sleep, digestion, menstruation, and other physical ailments is truly amazing. I hope that after reading this blog post, you now have a better understanding of how to use mugwort and feel empowered to incorporate it into your herbalism journey.