City Herbs, Part One: Mugwort - Page 2
© Leda Meredith
Close up photo of young Mugwort leaves (older leaves will be darker green on top and more linear):
The Latin genus name, Artemisia, refers to the Greek moon goddess Artemis. Among her many roles in Greek mythology, Artemis was responsible for helping women through all their physical cycles including menstruation, childbirth and menopause.
A strong infusion of the roots or leaves acts as an emmenagogue and will bring on menstruation delayed by stress. A warm poultice of the leaves placed on the abdomen or lower back has been used to relieve cramps. Mugwort has also been used to help expel the afterbirth and as an analgesic to relieve pain during childbirth.
Another of this plant's common names, Cronewort, may refer to its use during and after menopause to ease joint pain and as a calcium-rich supplement. As a dancer, I have used mugwort baths to help relax sore muscles. Mugwort is also a diaphoretic and can be used to provoke a sweat which can be useful for treating a cold or fever.
Another connection between the moon goddess and this plant is its use as a "dream herb". This herb has been smoked or sipped as an infusion before sleep to "open the psychic centers". Pillows made with Mugwort were popular in the Renaissance and said to encourage vivid dreams with clear recall.
The common name Mugwort probably comes from the plant's historical use as a beer-flavoring ingredient. This may seem odd considering that many people have reported having nightmares after combining Mugwort and alcoholic beverages. Nonetheless, the leaves were used as a bittering agent in the same way that we use hops today.
Another possible source of the common name Mugwort comes from the Old English word, mucgwyrt. "Mucg" meant bug, while "wyrt" or "wort" simply meant plant. Mugwort is a useful bug repellant, and smudge sticks made with it can be burned around a campsite to keep mosquitoes away.
Another one of Artemisia vulgaris' common names is St. John's Plant. The name may come from the legend that St. John the Baptist wore a girdle of this plant when he went into the wilderness. Midsummer is known as St. John's Day, and there are many rites and stories that connect Mugwort with midsummer. Northern Europeans used to gather Mugwort on St. John's Day and make wreaths of it which were said to bring luck and prosperity to one's household. Last year's wreaths were burned in the midsummer bonfires. Given Mugwort's use as a dream-enhancing herb, it is interesting to note that herbs gathered at Midsummer were often said to allow one to "see into Faerie". Midsummer Night's Dream?
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