Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris; Compositae

Mugwort grows wild in North America. A slender to moderately stout herb, 1-5 ft. tall.. Flowers are small ovid, yellow to purplish, in numerous clusters from July to August. This picture of an established plant (about 3 years old) was taken
May 12/99, prior to any pruning. Later in the summer it will be much taller, and lanky unless pruned back.

Medicinal Part: leaves

Solvents: boiling water

Uses:
Native North Americans used the leaves medicinally in decoctions for colds, colic, bronchitis, flus and fever.
-Mugwort circulates the blood, especially through the lower abdomen and uterus, aiding menstrual difficulties and cramps, leukorrhea and abdominal Effective when combined with Calendula, Cramp bark, and Mint.
-Used in Japan for moxibustion.
-A nervine, Mugwart can be smoked, filling the lungs three to six times, to help nervousness and insomnia.
-Externally, it can be applied as a liniment or wash to relieve itching, fungus and other skin infections or as a douche for vaginal yeast infections.
-As a bitter tonic, it treats stomach disorders, improves digestion and cures and prevents parasites and worms ( although wormwood, another Artemesia species, is stronger for this)

Dose:
Infuse 1 teaspoonful of herb to 1 cupful of boiling water, steep for 20 minutes. - drink ½ cup, 2- 3 times/day.

Precaution: Not to be taken during pregnancy..