City Herbs, Part One: Mugwort - Page 3
© Leda Meredith
A. vulgaris was also known as Traveler's Friend, and the fresh leaves tucked into one's shoes are supposed to prevent weary feet.
The Chinese have a closely related species that may have been used instead of A. vulgaris, but nowadays A. vulgaris is commonly used in their herbal medicine and acupuncture. The dried leaves are used as "moxa" which is burned on acupuncture needles, atop thin slices of Ginger, or directly on the skin at points along the acupuncture meridians. The moxa draws out blocked energy and the heat of the burning herb stimulates circulation.
I have come to understand a connection between the seemingly disparate uses of mugwort to provoke menstruation or a sweat, to induce vivid dreams, as a midsummer ritual to bring prosperity, and burned as moxa on acupuncture points. In all of these uses, Mugwort's action is one of unblocking energy and promoting flow.
Mugwort has also been used as a food. The Chinese and Japanese use Mugwort as a seasoning, and in the U.S. one can find mochi and noodles flavored with Mugwort in some health food stores. Cider vinegar which has had fresh Mugwort leaves steeped in it for six weeks is delicious on salads and in marinades.
Mugwort Recipes
Mugwort Vinegar
Fill a glass jar with loosely packed fresh mugwort leaves. Fill jar with apple cider vinegar and cover (if lid is metallic, put a layer of wax paper between the jar and the lid. After six weeks, strain and use in salad dressings, marinades, etc. This recipe comes from 'Herbal Rituals', by Judith Berger, according to whom mugwort vinegar is rich in calcium, improves the appetite, and strengthens the entire digestive tract.
Mugwort Bath
Brew a strong infusion of mugwort using one cup of the dried leaves to a quart of boiling hot water and steeping, covered, for two hours. Strain into bath. I use this bath for sweating out a cold, relieving sore muscles, and bringing on menstruation delayed due to stress.
Dream Pillow
8 parts dried mugwort leaves
4parts dried rose petals
4 parts dried mint leaves
1 part whole cloves
Combine all ingredients and tie into a cloth bundle or use to stuff a small pillow or sachet. Place the dream pillow where you can smell it while you sleep. This is said to promote vivid dreams and clear recall.