Mugwort herb (Artemisia vulgaris)

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) belongs to the same family as the well-known wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). This has been used for making absint for centuries. Both herbs belong to the Alsem family.
Mugwort has many common names like 'felon herb', 'St. Johns plant' and 'wild wormwood'.
It is native to Europe, Asia and Northern Africa but it is also present in North America where it is an invasive weed.

This aromatic plant is 1-2 meter tall and has an angular, purplish, grooved stem.
The leaves are dark green on top and pale green with downy hairs on the bottom. The flowers are button-like and yellowish-brown.
It is a very common plant growing on nitrogenous soils, like weedy and uncultivated areas, such as waste places and roadsides.

The Aztecs and other Indians from America have used mugwort for ritual and medicinal purposes. From ancient times, the herb was also in Europe a remedy against fatigue and to protect travelers from evil spirits and wild animals.
Indians still ritually use mugwort as 'sage' nowadays. They use the herb for spiritual purification to dispel diseased spirits and negative powers. Bundles of calamus leaves together with mugwort are in Asia still used as talismans during the dragon boat festival.

Mugwort is said to be useful in inducing lucid dreaming and astral travel. Consumption of the plant or a tincture prior to sleeping is said to increase the intensity of dreams, the level of control, and to aid in the recall of dreams upon waking. In Mexico, the herbage is often smoked as a marijuana substitute.

Effects

Mugwort has a pleasantly stimulating effect which, depending upon the dosage and sensitivity, might develop into a mildly euphoric state. The effects can be somewhat similar to cannabis.

Mugwort is said to induce lucid dreaming and astral travel. Consuming the plant prior to sleeping is said to increase the intensity of dreams, the level of control, and to aid in the recall of dreams upon waking.

Many people all over the world use this herb in different manners to relieve several complaints: from cold and bronchitis to stomach disorders. Many women use it to relieve menstrual pain.

Usage

A common way to use mugwort is to make tea with it. Soak 1 teaspoon in a cup of hot (non-boiling) water. You can sweeten it with a small amount of honey or sugar.
You can also make a tincture of mugwort. Soak 40 grams (1½ oz.) of mugwort for a couple of weeks in ½ liter of alcohol (wodka, for example). After sifting it, the drink is ready for use. At first try only a little glass to determine your dosage.

You can also use mugwort as incense.

Warning

Mugwort is slightly toxic, therefore it should never be used by pregnant women, especially in their first trimester, since it could cause a miscarriage. Large, prolonged usage can damage the nervous system.

Reviews

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Nov 25, 2007 Shapeless said:
    
“On a doubled dose of 2 teaspoons proved to be very rewarding. It resulted in a nice euphoric mood, but nothing too high. The best part was in fact during my meditation before sleep. I entered into a complete lucid state with ease. I was able to control my hallucination, and later on embarked on a short astral projection.

Very good for stress, and those who practice mediation. It also was on another event a good herb to be mixed with a low dosage of Sinicuichi.”