Mugwort - Artemisia vulgaris

Alternative names: Felon herb, naughty man, sailor’s tobacco

Parts used: Leaves, flowers, roots

Actions and qualities: Regulates menstruation, promotes energy and circulation, calms nerves, diuretic, sedative, digestive aid, pain and anxiety relieving.

Specific uses: Used as a food in traditional Asian cuisine and in beer making. Makes a lovely tea, or can be added to tinctures, capsules, bath teas, poultices, oils, salves or herbal smokes.

Contraindications: It should be avoided by pregnant and nursing mothers, children, and those with allergies to flowers in the Asteraceae (daisy) family.

History and lore: Believed to be deeply connected to the dreamworld. Tea baths, oils or sachets placed in pillows were used to enhance prophetic dreams.