It is important to note that there are many different types of mugwort and a number of plants in the Artemisia genus; a lot of them are traditionally used in herbalism. Some of the plants within this species share similar aspects, while others are quite dissimilar. All Artemisia species are antimicrobial and stimulate digestion to some extent, but some, not all, species are nootropic, meaning that they enhance memory and cognitive function (Yarnell, 2012). Most research into moxibustion comes from China and is generally of low quality. [1] Claims are made for its effectiveness for a wide variety of conditions, with some practitioners promoting it as a panacea. [1] Pregnancy [ edit ] You can use this oil as-is, or you can take the additional step of blending it with a melted solid wax or butter, usually either beeswax, shea butter, and/or cocoa butter. This is a little bit more of an involved process, so I’ll leave the details of salve making for another post: stay tuned! Throughout Europe and China, mugwort has been traditionally used to boost energy, relieve stress, promote blood circulation, and support liver health. Li Zhaoguo (2013). English Translation of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Theory and Practice. 上海三联书店. p.11. ISBN 978-7-5426-4084-0.

Mugwort is often confused with wormwood and therefore a lot of the names it is known by are the same as wormwood. Sometimes called sailor’s tobacco, muggons, felon herb, chrysanthemum weed, old man, moxa, wild wormwood, old uncle Henry, St. John’s plant and cronewort. These are traditional names passed down during their usage. How To Grow Mugwort Artemisia Vulgaris One 2017 review found sufficient evidence to suggest that moxibustion is effective for pain reduction and symptom management in people with osteoarthritis in the knee. Take your cuttings in Summer from healthy Mugwort stems. Softwood cuttings should be around 6 inches in length. things you may not know about ragweed pollen allergy. (2019). https://community.aafa.org/blog/6-things-you-may-not-know-about-ragweed-pollen-allergy Moreover, there is also a clinical trial that suggests that moxibustion may reduce both the frequency and the severity of hot flashes associated with menopause.

In the Isle of Man, mugwort is known as bollan bane, and is still worn on the lapel at the Tynwald Day celebrations, which also have strong associations with St John. Ekiert H, Pajor J, Klin P, Rzepiela A, Ślesak H, Szopa A. Significance of artemisia vulgaris L. (common mugwort) in the history of medicine and its possible contemporary applications substantiated by phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Molecules. 2020;25(19):4415. doi:10.3390/molecules25194415 Mugwort has excellent potential as a powerful ally for menstrual cramping and the overall health of the female reproductive system. In the medieval world mugwort was used to stimulate menstrual flow and induce abortion safely. Mugwort oil and salve are wonderful for alleviating muscle aches (while simultaneously acting as an insect repellant!). Practitioners may use acupuncture needles made of various materials in combination with moxa, depending on the direction of qi flow they wish to stimulate.

Artemisia princeps Pamp. — Korean mugwort ( ssuk), Japanese mugwort ( yomogi), used as a culinary herb and in traditional Chinese medicine. According to the Herbal Drugs handbook , the oral consumption of Mugwort stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and relaxes the gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts. For ages, this herbaceous plant gained popularity as a remedy for digestive issues, including: Essential Oil: studies relate various compounds within Mugwort oil to effects on blood pressure, tumor growth, and menstrual cycle, as well as anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and antimicrobial effects. [17] Andrews, T. (2015). Dream alchemy: Shaping our dreams to transform our lives . Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Worldwide. Furthermore, the results of one 2013 study indicate that the ability of California mugwort (Artemisis douglasiana) to kill cells extends to normal human cells, as well as cancerous ones. For this reason, the researchers recommend that a traditional healer or herbalist supervise its use.When mugwort is smoked, it exhibits very mild psychoactive effects and strong relaxing properties. The intoxicating qualities of the sacred Artemisia vulgaris comes from the chemical makeup of their leaves. Fill a medium sized pot (20cm /8 inches wide) with a 50% vermiculite or other suitable potting material and 50% potting soil mix. Wet it thoroughly. Amaraneni A, Chippa V, Rettew AC. Anticoagulation safety. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.

Mugwort, p. 1187, at Google Books in "A Dictionary of the World's Plant Foods". The Cambridge World History of Food. 2000. pp.1711–1886. doi: 10.1017/CHOL9780521402156.060. ISBN 978-0-521-40215-6. According to anecdotes, mugwort has helped sooth health conditions like anxiety, digestion problems, muscle and joint pain, migraines, and irregular periods. Even Roman soldiers supposedly used mugwort leaves in their sandals to soothe aching feet while marching. People also believed this magical plant could protect them from wild animals and evil spirits. JOHNSON, C. Pierpoint (1862). The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ... Illustrated by J. E. Sowerby. p.155. During moxibustion, acupuncture points are stimulated through heat and moxa smoke, which are believed to have antibacterial, antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and air purification functions. This method is chosen by some to treat pain, osteoarthritis, stroke rehab, constipation, and other conditions.Flowers: Flowers consist of small, yellow and reddish-brown heads that sprout from the upper parts of the plant in branching clusters. The flowers have seven to ten pale yellow thread-like pistils extending from the center. The stems, stalks, and bracts are light green from a covering of frosty hairs.

After the steeping time is complete, slightly warm the oil, and then strain and press the herbs through tightly-woven cheesecloth.In high doses, Thujones can turn into neurotoxins, causing vomiting and seizures. For this reason, consuming large amounts of mugwort can be toxic, especially if you choose to use its oil, which typically contains high concentrations of this psychoactive compound.