Mugwort - Considered a "Woman's Plant"

By Linda Lee Smith

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is in the Asteraceae (Daisy) family. We get the oil from steam distillation of the leaves and the oil is produced in Canada, France, Morocco, Germany, Hungary, India, China and Japan. It is believed that this plant originated in Eastern Europe and Western Asia and it is now found in temperate zones all over the world. This is a perennial herb that can reach a height of about 5 feet. It has purplish stems, dark green divided leaves that are downy white beneath, and numerous small reddish-brown or yellow flowers.

Traditionally in the Middle Ages, Mugwort was associated with superstition and witchcraft and was used as a protective charm against evil and danger. It was also considered a woman's plant and used specifically as a tonic for the womb, for painful or delayed menstruation and as a treatment for hysteria and epilepsy. There is also some evidence that mugwort was used to expel worms, control fever and used as a digestive remedy. In France it was used as a cure for blindness and other diseases. In China and Japan, the white fluffy underside of the leaves was used for moxibustion. The compressed dried herb was burned over certain points in the body to stimulate it with heat. Mugwort is still current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.

How Can Mugwort Essential Oil Help Us Today?

Mugwort has antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, properties and it is a gastrointestinal regulator. It is used today for intestinal complaints, worm infestations, headaches, muscle spasms, circulatory problems, menstrual problems/PMS, dysentery, and gout. Mugwort can be diluted 50-50 and applied on location, used on the chakras/vita Flex points, diffused or taken internally. It blends well with oakmoss, patchouli, rosemary, lavandin, pine, sage, clary sage and cedarwood. As for safety, mugwort is not recommended in the British model of aromatherapy for internal use. Because of its effect on menstruation, it should not be used during pregnancy.

Want to learn more about the healing properties of mugwort and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit.

Check this out for more information on learning to heal through the art of aromatherapy as a clinical aromatherapist. http://www.ISHAaromatherapy.com For educational courses on healing energy and the laying-on of hands, you can go to http://www.HTSpiritualMinistry.com You can also read more about aromatherapy and mugwort essential oil in Linda Smith's books: Called into Healing, Reclaiming our Judeo-Christian Legacy of Healing Touch, and Healing Oils Healing Hands, Discovering the Power of Prayer, Hands On Healing and Anointing. You will also find a 3-ebook series on "Harnessing the Power of Essential Oils" in which over 100 essential oils are discussed. Find these books and ebooks as well as much more on my web site at http://www.ISHAhealing.com/HealingStore/tabid/348/Default.aspx