Well I am officially calling Monday "HERB DAY". I will discuss the use of different herbs named in my book. All herbs have different properties and can be used for healing, teas, cooking, and of course, spells.
Today we will discuss the herb mugwort. It's an herb that many people haven't heard of so I thought we could shed some light on it here.
THE MAGIC OF MUGWORT:
From Pagan Wiccan on About.com:
Mugwort is an herb that is found fairly regularly in many modern Pagan magical practices. From its use as an incense, for smudging, or in spellwork, mugwort is a highly versatile - and easy to grow - herb.
Part of the artemisia family, mugwort was used in Anglo-Saxon Britain to cure people who had fallen victim to “elf shot,” which appears to be a catch-all term used to apply to people who had become sick, their illness being blamed upon the invisible arrows of the Fae.
Bald’s Leechbook, an herbal from around the ninth century, refers to the use of mugwort to cast out demonic possession. The author also recommends heating a large stone in the fireplace, then sprinkling it with mugwort, and adding water to create a steam for the patient to inhale.
In some magical traditions, mugwort is associated with divination and dreaming. If someone has overactive dreams, they can be balanced out with a ritual bath made from mugwort and indulged in prior to bedtime. To bring about prophecy and divinatory success, make an incense of mugwort to burn at your workspace, or use it in smudge sticks around the area in which you are performing divination rituals.
Native American tribes used mugwort leaves to rub on one’s body as protection from ghosts.
The leaves could also be worn as a necklace.
Other magical uses:
HERBAL HEALING WITH MUGWORT:
Taken from the Herbal Supplement Resource Site:
Mugwort is most commonly used to treat disorders of the digestive tract and aid in all digestive functions and is said to have properties that are antifungal, antibacterial, expectorative and antiasthmatic. It’s considered a good herb for gastric disorder, stomach pain and bowel complaints. It’s used for poor appetite, indigestion, travel sickness and stomach acidity.
Mugwort is thought to be effective in treating a wide range of parasitic infections, such as tapeworm, roundworm and threadworm. It is also considered effective against parasites like ringworms that infect the skin.
There’s no established, proven safe or effective dose for mugwort. Traditionally, it’s mainly used as tea. Some herbalists recommend 2 cups of mugwort tea using fresh leaves infused for 5 to 10 minutes in boiling water daily for six days.
As a commercial supplement one to two capsules two times daily with water is considered a standard dosage but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
As with any herbal supplement, please talk to your doctor before taking and know the side effects:
Possible Side Effects and Interactions of Mugwort
Because the preparation instructions and dosage amounts of mugwort are not clearly defined, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use the herb.
Mugwort contains a chemical called thujone, which is responsible for the medicinal properties of the plant. In large dosage thujone is toxic so caution is advised.
It can cause miscarriages because it stimulates menstruation so pregnant women should avoid it. Individuals who have sensitivity to its pollen should avoid using it.
Don’t use mugwort as a medicinal herb unless under the care and supervision of a licensed and qualified healthcare professional.
Today we will discuss the herb mugwort. It's an herb that many people haven't heard of so I thought we could shed some light on it here.
THE MAGIC OF MUGWORT:
From Pagan Wiccan on About.com:
Mugwort is an herb that is found fairly regularly in many modern Pagan magical practices. From its use as an incense, for smudging, or in spellwork, mugwort is a highly versatile - and easy to grow - herb.
Part of the artemisia family, mugwort was used in Anglo-Saxon Britain to cure people who had fallen victim to “elf shot,” which appears to be a catch-all term used to apply to people who had become sick, their illness being blamed upon the invisible arrows of the Fae.
Bald’s Leechbook, an herbal from around the ninth century, refers to the use of mugwort to cast out demonic possession. The author also recommends heating a large stone in the fireplace, then sprinkling it with mugwort, and adding water to create a steam for the patient to inhale.
In some magical traditions, mugwort is associated with divination and dreaming. If someone has overactive dreams, they can be balanced out with a ritual bath made from mugwort and indulged in prior to bedtime. To bring about prophecy and divinatory success, make an incense of mugwort to burn at your workspace, or use it in smudge sticks around the area in which you are performing divination rituals.
Native American tribes used mugwort leaves to rub on one’s body as protection from ghosts.
The leaves could also be worn as a necklace.
Other magical uses:
- Use mugwort baths or incense in rituals focusing on treating depression.
- Make a set of smudge sticks using dried mugwort, to use in ritual settings bringing about prophecy or divinatory needs.
- Place mugwort under your pillow to prevent astral attacks, or to ward off psychic attacks from those who would do you harm.
- Plant mugwort in your garden to attract the Fae.
- Burn mugwort as part of an incense blend celebrating Litha.
- Make protection oil for your home and property with mugwort.
- Create a magic broom or besom with mugwort woven into it, and use it to sweep negative energies from your home.
HERBAL HEALING WITH MUGWORT:
Taken from the Herbal Supplement Resource Site:
Mugwort is most commonly used to treat disorders of the digestive tract and aid in all digestive functions and is said to have properties that are antifungal, antibacterial, expectorative and antiasthmatic. It’s considered a good herb for gastric disorder, stomach pain and bowel complaints. It’s used for poor appetite, indigestion, travel sickness and stomach acidity.
Mugwort is thought to be effective in treating a wide range of parasitic infections, such as tapeworm, roundworm and threadworm. It is also considered effective against parasites like ringworms that infect the skin.
There’s no established, proven safe or effective dose for mugwort. Traditionally, it’s mainly used as tea. Some herbalists recommend 2 cups of mugwort tea using fresh leaves infused for 5 to 10 minutes in boiling water daily for six days.
As a commercial supplement one to two capsules two times daily with water is considered a standard dosage but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
As with any herbal supplement, please talk to your doctor before taking and know the side effects:
Possible Side Effects and Interactions of Mugwort
Because the preparation instructions and dosage amounts of mugwort are not clearly defined, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use the herb.
Mugwort contains a chemical called thujone, which is responsible for the medicinal properties of the plant. In large dosage thujone is toxic so caution is advised.
It can cause miscarriages because it stimulates menstruation so pregnant women should avoid it. Individuals who have sensitivity to its pollen should avoid using it.
Don’t use mugwort as a medicinal herb unless under the care and supervision of a licensed and qualified healthcare professional.