Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a perennial herb that belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, culinary applications, and spiritual practices.
Uses of Mugwort
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Traditional Medicine
- Used in herbal medicine for digestion, menstrual regulation, and relaxation.
- Believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.
- Sometimes used in teas or tinctures to help with anxiety, insomnia, or lucid dreaming.
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Moxibustion (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
- Dried mugwort is burned near the skin to promote circulation and relieve pain.
- Often used to help turn breech babies in late pregnancy.
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Culinary Use
- In some cultures, mugwort is used as a bittering agent in food and beverages.
- Common in Asian cuisine, especially in Japan and Korea, where it is used in soups, rice cakes, and teas.
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Spiritual and Ritual Use
- Historically associated with protection, dream enhancement, and purification.
- Burned as incense or placed under pillows to encourage vivid or lucid dreams.