Mugwort / Ai Ye
Artemesia Vulgaris
AKA: Moon Goddess, named for the Greek goddess Artemis
This aromatic perennial grows easily from seed just about anywhere, even roadsides. Culpeper says, “It’s leaves and flowers are full of virtue.” Honestly, when I first began working with mugwort, I was really allergic to it. In acupuncture school, I couldn’t stay in a room where it was being used as I almost immediately got a debilitating headache. Despite this, I had a deep connection with the herb and so deeply wanted to get to know it. Overtime, I got to know the plant and my own divine feminine and now I share her with you, which brings this full circle for me. It has a warm energy and a bitter and acrid taste. It is most commonly associated with the Water Element.
Eastern Properties
Regulates Blood
Releases to the Exterior
Stops quaking of the sinews
Dispels Cold
Move Stagnation
Stimulates the flow of blood and Qi
Western Properties
Emmenagogue
Nervine
Diaphoretic
Aromatic
Diuretic
Stimulant
Possibly Estrogenic
Medicinal Uses
Herbal tinctures are used to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, decrease pain associated with menstrual cycles, tonify the blood postpartum, promote and easy labor, ease menopause, relieve gastric inflammation.
Herbal tinctures are also used in Parkinsons and Epilepsy.
Baths are used to reduce fever.
Charring is used to stop bleeding.
Topically, infused as an oil, it is used to reduce inflammation, puffiness, age spots, darkening and overall to produce a more youthful appearance.
Moxa is used commonly in Chinese Medicine to stimulate the channels.
It is reportedly used as an antidote for poisonous mushrooms and henbane.
Magical Lore
A magical and visionary herb for practicing prophecy and divination.
Hung in homes as the protector of the home, possessions and friends within.
Used in rituals with crystal balls.
Heal with Mugwort