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Benefits |
Preparation |
Medicinal Uses |
Side Effects |
Plant |
Folklore |
Detail of mature mugwort leaf WikiCommons
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| Common Names |
| Mugwort , St. John's Plant |
| Botanical Name |
| Artemisia vulgaris |
| Family |
| ASTERACEAE or COMPOSITAE Sunflower family |
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Sometimes overlooked for more "flashy" herbs in this current day, it is still a favorite of wise women. Mugwort is most widely known for its affinity for the female reproductive system, used as a uterine stimulant that can bring on delayed menstruation and help restore a woman's natural monthly cycle. Often used as a smudging (burning) ceremonial herb. It is mildly sedative and useful in calming frayed nerves and easing stress.
As all the bitter herbs, it is an excellent digestive stimulant, and is quite effective taken before or after heavy meals to alleviate gas and bloating.
One of the more interesting traditional uses of mugwort is that of a dream herb, it is often used as one of the main ingredients of sleep pillows, and it said to bring the dreamer more lucid dreams. |
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Prep Methods :teas, tinctures, extremely bitter mix with lemon balm or lavender flowers
 Remedies using Mugwort
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Burning mugwort in moxibustion heat therapy is one of the oldest forms of Chinese traditional medicine and is used to stimulate the flow of qi and maintain general health. It especially dispels cold and dampness. |
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 Mugwort contains a volatile essential oil, but it is not recommended for use in aromatherapy |
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| Sciatica ,muscular stiffness | | A combination of agrimony, mugwort and vinegar is an excellent treatment for sciatica or muscular stiffness. 1216
(Dawson,Adele ) | | Stimulate dreams, sleep | | A traditional herb used in "dream pillows" to stimulate dreams and ease sleep 928
| | Emmenagogue | | Its chief employment is as an emmenagogue, often in combination with Pennyroyal and Southernwoods. Mugwort is also useful as a diaphoretic in the commencement of a cold. 428
(Grieve, Maude ) | | Moxibustion | | Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing and fast relief from aching muscles and joints. You can purchase a moxa 'cigar' at heath food stores that stock TCM items. Light it, and bring the glowing end near the painful area and move it around in small, slow spirals until the heat becomes too intense. Pain relief often lasts for twelve or more hours. 1193
(Weed, Susan ) |
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| Side Effects: |
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| Nontoxic, but as with all herbs with emmenagogic properties, avoid in early pregnancy. Not for long term use. Avoid large doses. |
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Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887
 Tiny clusters of whiteish-green to yellow flowers bloom in midsummer. Leaves are dark green above, grey green below. Found growing worldwide, it's strong sage fragrance is uplifting and refreshing.
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 Mugwort is a member of the powerful Artemis family of herbs and is used widely both in western and eastern herbal traditions. It was used in medieval times to flavor beer and keep the user safe from evil possession.
In North America, the use of mugwort dates back to the seventeenth century. |
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 This is an herb of Venus. It's tops, leaves and flowers are full of virtue, they are aromatic, and most safe, and excellent in female disorders. Nicholas Culpeper |
 In the Middle Ages, the plant was known as Cingulum Sancti Johnnis, it being believed that John the Bapist wore a girdle of it in the wilderness. It was believed to preserve the wayfarer from fatigue, sunstroke, wild beasts and evil spirits generally. A crown made from its sprays was worn on St. Johns Eve to gain security from evil possession. |
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