Mugwort - The Mundane and Magical 101
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a hardy, aromatic perennial that grows abundantly in untamed spaces, roadsides, forest edges, and disturbed soil. It belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae) and has been used across cultures for both practical and spiritual purposes.
Mugwort is often considered a liminal herb, one that exists between boundaries. Because of this, it has long been associated with crossing thresholds of waking and dreaming, physical and spiritual, seen and unseen.
If you actively work with Mugwort as a spirit, you may find it guiding you through intuition, introspective work, and altered states of awareness, while also asking you to stay anchored in your body and your discernment.
Scientific Name: Artemisia vulgaris
Family: Asteraceae
Parts Used: Leaves, stems (primarily), occasionally roots depending on tradition
Planet: Moon
Element: Earth (with strong Air/Spirit associations in some practice)
CAUTIONS: ALWAYS check with your local herbalist and doctor before consuming any medicinal herbs, as they can direct you on proper dosages and safety. Mugwort may cause allergic reactions, especially for those sensitive to ragweed or other plants in the Asteraceae family. It can interact with medications, and proper identification is essential. Avoid harvesting from roadsides, sprayed areas, or contaminated land.
Mugwort should be avoided during pregnancy, as it has traditionally been used to stimulate menstruation and may affect the uterus. It contains compounds such as thujone, which can be harmful in high amounts. Internal use should be approached with caution and moderation.
IMPORTANT: Mugwort can spread aggressively in certain environments and may dominate disturbed land. Ethical foraging means harvesting responsibly, taking only what you need, and respecting local ecosystems.
Uses in Herbalism and Healing:
Mugwort has a long history of traditional use as a bitter herb, often used to support digestion and appetite.
It has also been used in folk herbalism for menstrual support, particularly for easing cramps and encouraging cycle movement.
It carries mild nervine qualities. For some, it brings relaxation. For others, it sharpens awareness instead of softening it.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, mugwort is used in moxibustion, a practice where the herb is burned near specific points on the body to support circulation, warmth, and healing.
Historically, it has also been used as an insect repellent and as a flavoring herb in beverages before hops became widely used.
Uses in Magic:
Mugwort is strongly associated with dreamwork, intuition, and spirit communication.
It is often used to enhance vivid or lucid dreaming, placed beneath pillows or within small sachets.
Burned as incense or smoke, it has been used to cleanse spaces and prepare for ritual or divination.
It is commonly worked with before tarot, pendulum use, or spirit communication to deepen perception.
It is also considered protective, particularly during travel, ritual work, and moments where you are moving between states of being such as trance work or astral travel.
It is frequently incorporated into baths, oils, and charm work focused on psychic development, introspective work, and connection to the unseen.
Folklore and History:
Mugwort appears across cultures as both protector and guide.
It is included in the Anglo-Saxon Nine Herbs Charm, where it is named as one of the oldest and most powerful herbs against poison and illness.
In ancient Rome, travelers and soldiers were said to place mugwort in their sandals to ward off fatigue during long journeys.
In European folk traditions, it was gathered during midsummer and worn or carried for protection against illness, misfortune, and harmful spirits.
The plant is closely associated with Artemis, linking it to the moon, wilderness, and power. Its genus name, Artemisia, reflects this connection.
In parts of Asia, particularly within Chinese medicine, mugwort became central to moxibustion, reinforcing its role as a bridge between physical and energetic healing.
Across traditions, mugwort is consistently seen as a plant that exists between worlds, worked with by healers, practitioners, and those navigating altered states and spiritual thresholds.
Recipes:
Mugwort Dream Sachet Dried mugwort placed in a small cloth bag and kept under a pillow or beside the bed to support vivid dreams and intuitive awareness.
Mugwort Tea (Use With Caution, see above) A small pinch of dried mugwort steeped in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Traditionally used sparingly before sleep for dreamwork.
Mugwort Cleansing Bundle Dried mugwort tied into a bundle and burned gently for smoke cleansing and ritual preparation. Use with caution with pets and children.
Mugwort Ritual Bath Dried mugwort steeped in hot water, strained, and added to a bath intended for spiritual awareness, introspective work, or intuitive connection.
Sources:
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of herbal medicine (3rd ed.). DK Publishing.
Cunningham, S. (1985). Cunningham’s encyclopedia of magical herbs. Llewellyn Publications.
Grieve, M. (1971). A modern herbal (Vols. 1–2). Dover Publications. (Original work published 1931)
Hutton, R. (1996). The stations of the sun: A history of the ritual year in Britain. Oxford University Press.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Mugwort. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/mugwort
Plants of the World Online. (2026). Artemisia vulgaris. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://powo.science.kew.org/
World Health Organization. (2007). WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants (Vol. 3). WHO Press.
Zhang, C. S., et al. (2020). Moxibustion for the treatment of chronic conditions: A systematic review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/9492035