Mugwort,
(Artemisia vulgaris) though less aromatic and attractive than
other artemisias, features in the magical lore of Europe, Asia and
China. Mugwort abounds on the banks and waysides in most parts
of England. A tall-growing plant, its stems frequently reach
three feet in height or more. Its distinguishing feature is the
white under-surface of its leaves. The origin of this plant’s
name is debated. Some say it derives from its use to flavor
drinks; others suggest its name derives from moughte (a moth or
maggot) because of earlier usefulness in keeping off the attacks of
moths. In the Middle Ages, the plant was known as Cinulum Sancti
Johannis because some believed that John the Baptist wore a girdle of
it in the wilderness. It was believed to preserved the wayfarer
from fatigue, sunstroke, wild beast and evil spirits. In Holland and
Germany one of its name is St. John’s Plant because of the belief that
it gave protection against diseases and misfortunes.
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DID YOU KNOW?
-Deter
onion and carrot fly with branches laid between rows.
-Infuse
to make a strong domestic disinfectant; a weaker solution for
use as insecticide on older plants.
-Wormwood
may inhibit growth of plants nearby such as fennel, sage,
caraway, anise.
-Europeans
once stuffed pillows with mugwort in the belief that this would
bring good, and vivid, dreams.
-Southernwood
is known as the lovers’ plant, lad’s love and maid’s ruin.
-Chew
on a tarragon leaf and you may notice a numb feeling on your
tongue.
-The
whole family of wormwoods are remarkable for the extremes
bitterness of all parts of the plant.
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A
perennial that can grow to six feet, mugwort is native to Eurasia,
preferring full sun and a relatively rich, moist soil.
Propagation is usually done by root division in the spring when plant
is still dormant; dig up the clump and break it apart into small
sections and replant. Harvest the leaves as the plant comes into
bloom in August for drying; the root should be dug in autumn.
Drying mugwort root is a long, complicated process and not complete
until the root snaps when bent.
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Artemisia Vulgaris |
Both
herb and root are used primarily as treatment for complaints such as
colic, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal spasms, and indigestion.
They help to stimulate the secretion of gastric juices and bile.
Some people have an allergic reaction to the plant and is not
recommended taken during pregnancy or lactation. In China,
mugwort is used to allay bleeding of the womb, treat threatened
abortions as well as regulating the menses. Dioscorrides praises
this herb and recommends the flowering tops be used just before they
bloom. Gerard says: “Mugwort cureth the shakings of the joynets
inclining to the Palsie.” Parkinson considered it good against
hysteria. The juice and an infusion of the herb were given for
intermittent fevers and agues.
The
downy leaves are contained in Moxa, a preparation used by the
Japanese to cure rheumatism. Only the cottony fibers are made up into
cones. Mugwort is valued as a nervine, being an old-fashioned
popular remedy for epilepsy. It also has diuretic and
diaphoretic action. Mugwort was commonly used to flavor beer at
one time. Mugwort is occasionally used as an aromatic culinary
herb, being one of the herbs used to stuff geese before roasting.
