There are several different species of mugwort that are native to Europe and Asia. Artemisia vulgaris is thought to have been first brought to North America by jesuit colonizers in the 16th century. It also spread throughout Canada and the United States along with ships carrying nursery stock and ballast.
Mugwort has continuously been used for many different purposes across many different cultures. It can be found in food, drinks, traditional medicines, and insecticides. When consumed it can aid digestion, circulation, respiratory issues, menstruation, anxiety, insomnia, coughs, fevers, and colds. It can also be applied topically as a solve to treat sores, bruises, poison icy, body odor, and eczema. Mugwort is thought to induce lucid dreaming when consumed as a tea.
If you would like to try mugwort, you can pick it if it grows near you in an uncontaminated location, or you can find it at an herb store or online.
Ways mugwort can be consumed:
Teas
Fermented beverages
Foods (cooked or raw)
Smoked
Mugwort Tea Recipe
Boil 1 cup of water
Pour water over 1 tablespoon mugwort (dry or fresh)
Let tea infuse for 10 minutes
Strain tea
(Optional) Sweeten or add milk
Uses in Korea and China
China
Moxibustion
Colorant for foods
Pesticide
Feed additive for livestock
Korea
Skincare
Foods
Beverages
Expelling evil
Moxibustion
Divination
Herbal baths
The above photo shows what moxibustion looks like. The stick that is burned is made of mugwort. Moxibustion is used in acupuncture.
