Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is in the daisy family of essential oils. We get the oil from steam distillation of the leaves and the oil is produced in Canada, France, Morocco, Germany, Hungary, India, China and Japan. It is believed that this plant originated in Eastern Europe and Western Asia and it is now found in temperate zones all over the world. This is a perennial herb that can reach a height of about 5 feet. It has purplish stems, dark green divided leaves that are downy white beneath, and numerous small reddish-brown or yellow flowers.
Traditionally in the Middle Ages, Mugwort was associated with superstition and witchcraft and was used as a protective charm against evil and danger. It was also considered a woman’s plant and used specifically as a tonic for the womb, for painful or delayed menstruation and as a treatment for hysteria and epilepsy. There is also some evidence that mugwort was used to expel worms, control fever and used as a digestive remedy. In France it was used as a cure for blindness and other diseases. In China and Japan, the white fluffy underside of the leaves was used for moxibustion. The compressed dried herb was burned over certain points in the body to stimulate it with heat. Mugwort is still current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
How Can Mugwort Essential Oil Help Us Today?
Mugwort has antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, properties and it is a gastrointestinal regulator. It is used today for intestinal complaints, worm infestations, headaches, muscle spasms, circulatory problems, menstrual problems/PMS, dysentery, and gout. Mugwort can be diluted 50-50 and applied on location, used on the chakras/vita Flex points, diffused or taken internally. It blends well with oakmoss, patchouli, rosemary, lavandin, pine, sage, clary sage and cedarwood. As for safety, mugwort is not recommended in the British model of aromatherapy for internal use. Because of its effect on menstruation, it should not be used during pregnancy.
Want to learn more about the healing properties of mugwort and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit. The Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy teaches classes throughout the United States.
BONUS GIFT
By Going to my web site: http://www.ISHAhealing.com and signing up for our free monthly newsletter, you can receive a free gift: 5 Monographs on Biblical Oils.
These oils include Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Spikenard and Balsam Fir. While you are at our web site, check out our aromatherapy program and our program in Christian energy healing.
From Linda L. Smith, director of the Institute of Spiritual Ministry and Aromatherapy, Inc.
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