Mugwort

Description:

A perennial herb in a genus of some 300 species. The leaves of this species have long been treasured for medicinal purposes and repelling insects.

Ancient Romans filled their sandals with the leaves, which were noted to soothe sore feet.

Considered a magical plant in Asia and Europe, Mugwort was often worn as a midsummer’s belt and later burned to transfer that person’s suffering into the fire. It was one of the nine sacred herbs in Druid times that were used to drive out evil spirits.

Mugwort was also known as the “Mother of Herbs” and was associated with Anglo-Saxon witchcraft and fertility rites.

Mugwort is burned as incense during the summer solstice, as a symbol of letting go of the old.

It’s common name, wormwood, comes from the German Wermut, which means “preserver of the mind,” as the herb was thought to improve mental functions.

Ironically, in 1908, Swiss researchers found that wormwood oil contained high doses of the chemical thujone, and discovered that thujone is addictive and in excess can cause hallucinations and even damage the central nervous system. The oil has since been banned in many countries.

Threatened Species Alert: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species now includes the Artemisia vulgaris species.

Status: Least Concern