Mugwort - Artemisia douglasiana
Family: Asteraceae
When discussing the topic of dreaming, one cannot overlook Mugwort and its calming effects on the mind. Mugwort is an interesting plant deep with historical references, most dealing with psychic awareness and dreaming.
Depending what stage you are on in your dream quests, Mugwort can help. If you do not remember your dreams, it will aid your memory. If you are actively into dreaming, whatever kind, lucid, prophetic or simply trying to gain conscious control of your dreams, Mugwort can help. However, it is important to realize that Mugwort does not alter the type of dreams you experience, only the intensity and vividness of the dreams you have. So if you are prone to bad dreams or restless dreams, stay away from this herb.
Mugwort is a member of the Sage family and is often used in place of the traditional White Sage in smudge sticks. It is important to realize the smoke smells more like Marijuana than most other plants, so be careful where you burn it. The dictionary definition for wort is derived from the Old English word; wyrt meaning plant or herb.
This perennial plant is found in many parts of the world and at a variety of elevations. It is easy to grow and is considered a weed in many areas of the United States. Mugwort is light colored and fuzzy. It is persistently evasive and can be found along roadsides, in ditches and in empty fields. Harvest the above ground parts throughout the late summer just before flowering. Hang to dry in the bedroom or any place you meditate or have quiet time.
Mugwort has many other therapeutic properties besides those that calm the conscience mind. It aids the entire gastrointestinal tract by increasing stomach acid and bile production. This eases gas, bloating and improves digestion. Drink a cup of tea after dinner or before bed.
Mugwort is a nervine that can help with spasms including: convulsions, palsy, epilepsy and Parkinsons. It is even good against hysteria.
Mugwort is soothing to the skin. Use in the bath for aches and pains including arthritis or rheumatism. Great for skin problems including poison oak. Its antibacterial properties kill not only staphococcus aureus, streptococci, E. coli but many others as well.
Mugwort acts as an emmenagogue, an agent that increases blood circulation to the pelvic area and the uterus. It is useful for most female disorders including: painful and irregular periods, promoting labor and assisting with expulsion of the afterbirth.
Medicinal Properties: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, nervine, purgative, and tonic, stimulant,
Chemical Constituents Include: ascorbic acid (vitamin C), beta-carotene, fiber, calcium and zinc, among others.
Dried --- Herb Usage
Inhalation - Burn as a smudge stick or crush and burn
in a heat safe container for spiritual rituals and to keep insects
away, including mosquitoes.
Bath - Mugwort added to bath water is an aromatic and soothing
treatment for relief of aches in the muscles and joints.
Compress - Soothing to the skin. Make a strong tea with
the dried herb and use as a cold compress for skin for rashes,
infection, even poison oak.
Tea - Drink for digestion, or to aid female or other stomach
disorders. Great to drink hot at the beginning of a cold or flu.
This tea has also been use to expel intestinal worms.
Other Uses - Bound into wands for moxibustion, an oriental
technique to increase local circulation to ease pain of arthritis,
injuries, and bruises.
-Smudging for purification
-Use in dream pillows
-Use to cleanse crystals and other tools of divination
The dried herb can also be smoked as a nicotine-free tobacco.
CAUTION: The pure essential oil of Mugwort should not be used in aromatherapy. And it should not be taken internally by pregnant women because it can cause a miscarriage.
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The soul is only half alive if it does not experience itself
when asleep.
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Recipes
Mugwort Herbal Bath
Brew a strong infusion of mugwort using one cup of the dried leaves
to a quart of boiling hot water and steep covered until cooled.
Strain and pour into bath.
Mugwort Incense
3 parts Mugwort
2 parts Sage
1 part Sandalwood
1/2 part Rosemary
Combine herbs in a heat safe container. Smolder to open psychic
channels.
Moonbeam Tea
1 tbs China Black tea
2 tsp Lemon Balm
1 tbs Mugwort
1 tbs Rose Hips
For more stimulating and activating tea, brew tea on the eve of
the full moon.
Sedating Dream Pillow
1/2 cup Mugwort
1/2 cup Lavender
1/2 cup Hops
1/2 cup Chamomile
1 cup Roses Petals
Allow dried herbs to blend in a airtight container for 7 days.
Place inside sachet sized casing. Tuck inside pillow case at night.
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