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Blog: Mugwort, the "witchy" herb Clipped from: http://wildernesschilde.blogspot.com/2010/08/mugwort.html

I found this great article about Mugwort, the "witchy" herb. I bought some yesterday and tried it last night to help with dreaming. My dreams were very productive!

Love & Peace! - Tater

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Mugwort

Published by Diana Renata under on Friday, August 27, 2010

Mugwort. It's the quintessential "Witchy" herb. Just the sound of it- "Mug-WORT" sounds Witchy. You don't very often find non-Pagan folk talking about it either. After all, it's not something most people use regularly. It's not much of a seasoning or a spice. Usually when mugwort makes an appearance, it's for a reason.

Mugwort is a recent addition to my kitchen. I sort of struggle with keeping plants alive. A green thumb I have not. So far though, with the help of JP, many of my herbs are surviving, if not thriving. The poor mugwort though, has been struggling a bit and it seems to be an abundance, rather than a shortage, of water that's the culprit.

From what I've read on mugwort, in many parts of Europe, Asia, North America and Africa, it's little more than a common weed. It grows abundantly in hedgerows and waysides and its weedy personality indicates its habitat of choice- well drained, less "pampered" soil. Its name should have given that away. Artemisia vulgaris. It's funny... I like most plants whose Latin name includes "vulgaris." Interestingly enough, after my initial draw to the herb, I discovered "Artemisia" was its name- and I, being dedicated to the goddess, Artemis, was delighted. Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) and its more potent cousin Artemisia absinthium (the famous Wormwood used to make absinthe) are two of my favorites.

Mugwort is a tall "woody" herb, often growing in excess of 3 feet, with dark green leaves that take on a silvery appearance due to dense, fuzzy hairs on the undersides. When it flowers they come out either dark red or yellow. Mine has not yet flowered, but I'm hoping it does. Since it flowers in late summer, from July to September, chances are I won't see any petals this year.

It was once commonly used to flavor drinks, hence the name "mug"wort. It was commonly used to flavor beer before the prevalent use of hops. The plant was gathered only after flowering, and the leaves were dried. Many believe that the fresh plant is unsuitable for this use. In recent years it was still used in some areas to flavor home brews. Sixty or seventy years ago, in Cromwell, the working classes began using the dried herb as a substitute for the then expensive tea. One of the few culinary uses I have found for mugwort is to use the fresh greens to stuff geese before roasting.

As you can imagine, it has a range of magickal uses. Some of the old tales recount the many ways it can be used. In the Middle Ages the plant was called Cingulum Sancti Johannis, and it was believed that John the Baptist wore a girdle of mugwort while in the wilderness to protect him. It's believed to protect travellers from fatigue, sunstroke, wild animals and evil spirits. A crown made of mugwort leaves was worn on St. John's Eve to protect its wearer from possession, and in some places it was thought that if it was gathered on St. John's Eve it would give protection against diseases and misfortunes. *Note: Mugwort, while sometimes called St. John's Plant, should not be confused with St. John's Wort.

Uses for mugwort tend toward either the medicinal or the magical. It's said that the name "mug"wort may have actually derived from moughte (moth or maggot), because the plant has been regarded (like it's cousin, Wormwood) as being helpful in repelling moths. Used to repel insects, it can either be by hanging the plant around the home, or by applying the tea to your skin. Place sachets of its leaves in closets or bureau drawers to keeps moths away from your clothes.

In connection with Artemis and her role in child birth, mugwort is believed to stimulate the uterus and aid women in labor. It has also been used as an emmenegogue, meaning it stimulates menstruation when taken by those with irregular or suppressed menses. Because of its ability to induce menstruation, it has also been used as an abortifacient to induce miscarriage, so it should certainly NOT be used by pregnant women. Mugwort has also been used in treating epilepsy, colds, fevers, bronchitis, colic, kidney ailments and as a diuretic. The volatile oils. It has been suggested that mugwort stimulates the uterus, which agrees with some of its other uses as a tonic during labor and to relieve menstrual cramps. Because of its ability to induce menstruation, it has also been used as an abortifacient (to induce miscarriage). The volatile oil in the leaves make a good remedy for indigestion, upset stomachs, and other stomach ailments. Research shows it may lower blood sugar.

Magically speaking, mugwort is most famous for its dream-inducing properties as well as supporting psychic development. It is known to enhance dreaming, both in sleep and in meditation. Medicinally, it's a fantastic nervine, which makes it perfect for dreaming, as well as treating insomnia and nervousness. While mugwort is used to promote lucid dreaming, it may cause nightmares or restless dreams. In addition to its use with dreams, mugwort is associated with psychic powers in general, and is often burned before crystal ball gazing and other forms of divination, and used for astral projection. Some people rub the plant over their ritual tools in consecration or to increase their powers, particularly divination tools.

One of the best uses for mugwort is to create a smudge. When used for smudging and incense, it can be burned near your bed before sleep for both protection and dream enhancement. It's also useful in clearing negativity from your home. When smudging with mugwort it leaves a bit of magickal energy behind, infusing all acts that take place in the home with magick. Whether performing a spell, or simply washing the dishes, burning mugwort will heighten your work. *Note: If you do use it as a smudge, keep in mind it does smell more like marijuana than most other plants. Be mindful of where or when you use it. Your car, for example, might not be a good place to smudge with Mugwort.

Other fun, Witchy uses for mugwort include stuffing pillows with the herb to make dream pillows, or store the dried herb with your scrying tools or any tools you use for dreaming your journeying, such as drums and rattles. Oils made from fresh leaves can be made to anoint these objects also, or alternately use an infusion to wash your tools. Swags or wreathes made from dry or fresh branches, when placed over your doors will protect against negative energies. Many believe it will also ward off negative entities. Toss the dried herb into a burning fireplace or wood stove and it will protect you from lightening.

For right now I'm going to cultivate my little mugwort and let it grow. I can't wait to start putting it to use around my home. I think this is one of the first things I'm going to do when I decide to start harvesting...

Remember Your Dreams Potion

This deceptively simple technique is highly effective, although it may take a little time to get the hang of it. Practice and persistence will be rewarded. Mugwort tea is deemed most effective; however, any beverage may be used.

1) Bring a cup of tea or glass of water to your bedside before going to sleep.

2) Have a sip and tell yourself, "When I awake, I will have another sip and remember my dreams."

3) When you wake up, do so.

http://wildernesschilde.blogspot.com/2010/08/mugwort.html