The plant is a tree or shrub with pointed fragrant leaves.

Usage / Effects
Infuse one tablespoon of Mugwort in a cup of hot water for a relaxing tea. (30 grams in two cups of boiling water when cooled can be rubbed over the body to repel insects!). Can also be smoked alone or with other smoking mixtures for a dreamy high. Also can be placed under the pillow while you sleep to influence your dreams and astral travelling ability.

Remedial Actions
Mugwort effects nerves, circulation, stomach and uterus. Mugwort tea is also useful for colds, fevers, 'flu', insomnia, menstrual obstruction, pains in the bowel and stomach disorders. The tea is also excellent for nervousness, shaking and female complaints, such as suppressed menstruation and menstrual cramps. Mugwort may be applied externally as a poutlice for boils, carbuncles, abcesses and ised as a bath additive for relieving tired lilmbs, gout and rheumatism.

Mugwort also found use as a nerve tonic and in the treatment of colds and fevers. It was also reputed to give walkers enfurance if the leaves were placed inside the shoes. It was also carried in the pocket to prevent backache and to protect against poisoning and sun-stroke. Mugwort is the herb used in moxibustion or moxification healing.

Magical Properties
Mugwort was the universal herb of protection and prophecy throughout the ancient world. Dedicated to Artemis and Diana, it had widespread powers of healing, psychic protection, assisted in inducing prophetic dreams, conferred psychic powers, increased strength, fertility and libido, and was used to assist astral projection.

In China Mugwort was hung over entrances to buildings to bar evil spirits from entering. Halfway across the world in Ireland, Wales and England, Mugwort was held over the smoke of the bonfires on St John's eve to strengthen its powers before binding into garlands that were then hung over doorways to ward off evil spirits.

Mugwort has been used in manu magical ways. Just sleeping with a bunch of mugwort under the pillow was said to help achieve astral projection. A pillow stuffed with mugwort or lavender, thyme and sweet marjoram is said to induce prohetic dreams. But for many, the result, a guaranteed night of exciting technicolour dreams and adventures that leave them longing for the next nights instalment! Mugwort is used in the purification and strengthening of magic ritual. It is burned together with either fragrant sandalwood or wormwood before crystal ball gazing.

THE MYSTERIOUS CONNECTION BETWEEN MUGWORT AND MERMAIDS
In Japan bunches of Mugwort were used to exorcise the spirits of disease. It had a similar reputation in Europe and many tales were told of its secret healing powers being revealed by super-natural sources or by mermaids.

Inn keepers once brewed Mugwort ale from the flowering tops. It is also used sparingly in stuffings for fatty game such as roast goose and meats in England and Germany.

Mugwort is the easiest of plants to grow, tolerating hungry ground but if you are likely to be making sleep pillows for yourself and spoiled friends, there is no such thing as too much mugwort. The clumps can be lifted and divided in winter. Sir John Hill M.D. wrote in 1771 in the Virtues of British Herbs: "The leaves and tops of the young shoots and flowers in this plant are full of virtue, they are aromatic to the taste with a little sharpness. The herb has been famous from the earliest times, and providence has placed it everywhere,about our doors so that reason and authority, as well as the notice of our senses, pointed out for use, but chemistry has banned natural medicines." (ditto has happened in the 20th century)