Plant Family: Compositae

Common Names: Cingulum Sancti Johannis, Felon Herb, Sailor's Tobacco, St. John's Plant

Origin: Mugwort is a perennial shrubby plant found widely in England, Europe, Asia, North and South America

History: The word Mugwort probably comes from moughte, meaning 'a moth or maggot', from its ability to repel moths.

In the middle ages it was known as Cingulum Sancti Johannis in the belief that St. John the Baptist wore a girdle of it in the wilderness.

The Native American Indian used Mugwort for:

• bronchitis
• colds
• fever
• rheumatism
• wounds (poultice)

Tradition: Mugwort

• was placed under a pillow to produce good dreams and allow astral traveling 
• was rubbed on magical tools to increase their powers (fresh leaves)
• was used to cleanse crystals and mirrors (infusion) 
• was believed to protect the wayfarer from fatigue, sunstroke, wild beasts and evil spirits
• was carried to prevent poisoning and stroke
• was used in divination incenses
• was worn as a crown on St. John's Eve to be protected from evil possession

Plant Constituents

Contains:

• acrid resin
• tannin
• volatile oil

Usage

Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, root

Mugwort is used for:

Brain and Nervous System Conditions

• epilepsy
• fits
• hysteria
• insomnia
• nervousness
• palsy
• shaking

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• digestive aid
• disorders of the stomach
• promotes proper digestion
• stimulates the appetite
• weakness of the stomach

Female Conditions

• induces menses (periods), especially combined with Cramp Bark, Pennyroyal or Southernwood
• obstruction of menstruation
• regulates menstruation

Inflammatory Conditions

• rheumatism

Liver Conditions

• beneficial effect on bile production
• jaundice
• stimulates the liver

Respiratory System Conditions

• bronchitis
• colds

Spleen Conditions

• obstructions of the spleen

Other

• antidote for opium
• headache (place a fresh leaf inside the nose)
• intermittent fevers
  

Externally: Used in a bath with Agrimony and Chamomile to ease:

• gout
• rheumatism
• sore aching muscles
• tired legs

Fresh juice from the plant is used:

• to treat the irritation from poison oak

Other Uses:

• The downy parts of the leaves have been used in the preparation of Moxas used in Asian medicine

Action:

• appetizer [an agent that excites the appetite]
• cholagogue [an agent for increasing the flow of bile into the intestines]
• diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
• digestive [aids the digestive system]
• diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
• emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]
• nervine [an agent that has a calming or soothing effect on the nerves, any agent that acts on the nervous system to restore the nerves to their natural state]
• purgative [an agent that produces a vigorous emptying of the bowels, more drastic than a laxative or aperient]
• stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
• stomachic (root) [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
• tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]

Precautions

Caution:

• Excessive dosage can lead to symptoms of poisoning
• It should not be used by pregnant women