Mugwort Benefits & An Herbal Liniment Recipe
Many people think of mugwort as an herb for sleep and dream support, however, there are many mugwort benefits beyond sleeping and dreaming that are worth exploring. A tall, gangly member of the aster family (Asteraceae), mugwort is the name given to several species in the Artemisia genus, including Artemisia vulgaris, common mugwort, and Artemisia argyi, Chinese mugwort (Herbal Academy, n.d.).
Mugwort (Artemisia spp.) is antifungal and antimicrobial and is often used in making tinctures, cordials, and other formulas (Szaro, 2020). It has a long tradition of being associated with ovo-uterine health for its application as an emmenagogue and was often included in midwives’ birthing kits to help expel the afterbirth (Grieve, 1931/1971; Wood, 2008).
Mugwort is mildly invigorating to the nervous system, reducing tension related to fatigue and increasing circulation in the nerves and muscles (Wood, 2008). This works internally and topically too! In Medicine of the Earth, author Susanne Fischer-Rizzi (1996) says, “After a strenuous hike or a long day on one’s feet, a mugwort foot bath will relax and invigorate tired legs and feet” (Fischer-Rizzi).
Folklore tells that ancient Romans allowed mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) to grow on roadsides so that weary travelers could place it in their shoes to soothe tired feet (Nowakowski, 2016). The Mugwort Liniment recipe, below, embodies the connection between tired feet and the beneficial aspects of the mugwort plant.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis spp.) is a well-known over-the-counter astringent, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory, and the perfect medium for the mugwort leaves. This is an inexpensive herbal foot spray that you can store in the refrigerator. Organic witch hazel (Hamamelis spp.) extractMugwort Liniment
Dried mugwort (Artemisia spp.) leaves
1-2 tablespoons dried lavender (Lavandula spp.) buds (optional, or substitute rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) leaves and/or peppermint (Mentha × piperita) leaves)
In Closing,
See the articles below to learn more about mugwort benefits:
How to use Mugwort for Dreams, Sleep, and More
6 Herbs to Enliven Your Dreamspace
For another classic and time-tested liniment recipe, check out “How to Make Jethro Kloss’ Herbal Liniment.
REFERENCES
Fischer-Rizzi, S. (1996). Medicine of the earth. Portland, OR: Rudra Press.
Grieve, M. (1971). A modern herbal. (Original work published 1931). New York, NY: Dover Publications.
Herbal Academy. (n.d.). Mugwort monograph. The Herbarium. Retrieved from https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monographs/#/monograph/1026
Nowakowski, R. (2016). The healing power of moxa [Online article}. Retrieved from https://daoisttraditions.edu/healing-power-moxa/#:~:text=Mugwort%20gets%20its%20botanical%20name,area%20to%20treat%20menstrual%20pain.
Noveille, A. (2016). 3 balancing herbal recipes for bodies in pain [Blog article]. Retrieved from https://theherbalacademy.com/herbal-recipes-for-bodies-in-pain/
Szaro, M. (2020). How to use mugwort for dreams, sleep, and more [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://theherbalacademy.com/how-to-use-mugwort/
Wood, M. (2008). The earthwise herbal: A complete guide to old world medicinal plants. Berkeley, CA. North Atlantic Books.
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