Mugwort has a very potent effect on the nervous, digestive, hepatobiliary, and reproductive systems. It also navigates and balances the highways that connect these systems. It does this in ways that are both physical and energetic, stimulating and balancing, opening and closing pathways as needed.
In this way it works to support women in the reproductive system, in particular the womb and pelvic floor. It heals emotional and spiritual trauma and blocks that may be affecting the whole system, and clears out any stagnation that has built up in the uterus or pelvic area. This can be especially healing for those who have experienced sexual trauma.
It is a great herb for emmenagogues, as it stimulates blood flow to the reproductive organs and relaxes the uterus. This encourages menstruation by both strengthening the uterus and regulating blood flow, as well as clearing out any stagnation in the womb that might be contributing to amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea. It is also a useful anti-inflammatory for the menstrual cycle, and a good general tonic for the female reproductive system.
As a dream herb, mugwort is known to enhance and stimulate vivid dreams. It is a common ingredient in dream pillows, and it can also be added to teas for sleep and lucid dreaming. To use as a dream herb, place dried mugwort by your pillow or make a dream sachet with a combination of herbs like mugwort, lavender, and chamomile and put it under your pillow. This herbal talisman will bring you closer to your intuition and higher consciousness in dreamtime.
If you have trouble falling asleep or you want to increase the intensity of your dreams, you can try smoking dried sprigs of mugwort. This is a traditional ritual for artists and creatives, and it is said to usher the mind into the lucid dreaming state.
Another way to work with mugwort is to add it to a tummy rub, along with herbs like ginger (Zingiber officinale) and peppermint (Mentha spp.). This tummy rub can help ease nausea, relieve stomach cramps, and relax the muscles of the abdomen.
The mugwort plant is an important herb to have in the garden, as it is a natural deterrent for pests. It is an effective natural insecticide, and it also inhibits weed growth in other areas of the garden. It is a hardy perennial, and it can easily be transplanted to other parts of the garden or yard once it is established.
Mugwort is a rich source of essential oils, and these are the chemicals that give it its medicinal properties. These volatile oils can be extracted and distilled for oil, which can then be used to make infusions, tinctures, and topical applications.
When used in acupuncture, mugwort is known as “moxa.” It can be burned on specific acupuncture points to warm and heat them, and this can be very helpful for those experiencing pain or discomfort due to menopause or other issues. It can also be used in conjunction with other modalities to treat a wide range of conditions, including insomnia, chronic pain, and depression.