Artemisia vulgaris

Common Names: Mugwort, common wormwood, wild wormwood, St. John’s plant, sailor’s tobacco

🧭 Description & Habitat

Mugwort is a tall, herbaceous perennial native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa, now naturalised in North America. It grows up to 2 metres tall, with deeply lobed, aromatic leaves that are green on top and silvery-white beneath due to fine hairs. It thrives in disturbed ground, roadsides, riverbanks, and hedgerows. Its small, reddish or yellowish flowers bloom in late summer. Part of the Asteraceae (daisy) family, mugwort is closely related to other Artemisia species such as wormwood and sagebrush.

📜 History & Ethnobotany

Mugwort has a rich cultural and spiritual history. In European folklore, it was believed to ward off evil spirits, disease, and fatigue — often worn in midsummer garlands or used as incense. It was also known as the “traveller’s herb,” said to protect and invigorate long-distance walkers. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, mugwort (A. argyi) is burned in moxibustion to stimulate acupuncture points and improve qi flow. European herbalists used mugwort for digestive disorders, as an emmenagogue to stimulate menstruation, and to promote vivid dreams.

🔬 Phytochemicals

Contains a complex mix of volatile oils, flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones, including:

Thujone – Neuroactive compound (in small quantities)

Camphor – Antiseptic, stimulant

Cineole – Expectorant, anti-inflammatory

Flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, luteolin) – Antioxidant

Coumarins – Mild anticoagulant

Triterpenes and tannins – Astringent, protective

⚕️ Medicinal Benefits

Digestive Aid: Traditionally used to relieve bloating, gas, poor appetite, and intestinal parasites

Menstrual Support: Emmenagogue effects (stimulates menstrual flow); used for delayed or painful periods

Nervous System: Mildly sedative and calming; used for anxiety, insomnia, and nervous tension

Dream Enhancement: Often used as a dream tonic to encourage lucid or vivid dreams

Topical Use: Can soothe itching or inflamed skin; used in poultices or infused oils

Antimicrobial & Antifungal: Volatile oils demonstrate mild antimicrobial action

🍽️ Uses & Forms

Consumed as herbal tea (with a bitter, earthy flavour), tincture, infused oil, or smudge stick. Used topically in creams or oils for sore muscles or irritated skin. In spiritual practice, mugwort is burned like sage for cleansing. Not commonly used in food due to bitterness, though small amounts are used in traditional liqueurs and Korean soups.

🚫 Risks & Side Effects

Use with caution. Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential uterine-stimulating effects. May cause allergic reactions, especially in those sensitive to ragweed or other Asteraceae plants. Contains thujone, which can be neurotoxic in high doses — avoid prolonged or high-concentration use. Some reports of dermatitis with topical use. Consult a healthcare provider before internal use, especially with menstrual irregularities, epilepsy, or liver concerns.