Mugwort 'Artemisia vulgaris'

Plant

Plantt

Foliage

leaf shape variations

In Flower

Flower

Stems

Seed

Seeding

Ref, https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=5148

Mugwort 'Artemisia vulgaris' medica notes

Latin Name

Artemisia Vulgaris

SAGEBRUSH

Also Known As

Cronewort, Common Wormwood, Wild Wormwood, Felon Herb, St. John's Plant, Chrysanthemum Weed, Sailor's Tobacco, Moxa, Artemis Herb, Naughty Man, Old Man, Old Uncle Henry, Muggons

Origin

Europe, North America

Parts Used

Leaves

Traditional Use and Health Benefits

This tall and hardy plant was named for the Greek Goddess of the moon “Artemis”, in respect of this herb’s benefits to women’s health – especially in menstruation, childbirth and the menopause. Historically it has been used as a herbal inhibitor for menstrual cycles and to provide relief from symptoms of the menopause. It was considered the universal herb for protection and prophecy – also used for pain, healing, psychic powers and lucid dreaming.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) it has been used for centuries in a procedure called moxibustion – to reverse a fetus in the breech position. Mugwort is burned over a specific acupuncture point (BL67), to stimulate blood circulation and energy that is known to result in fetal movement. An actual study done by the “Journal of the American Medical Association” found that 75% of 130 fetuses reversed their breech position after the mother was treated with moxibustion.

Mugwort Benefits

Arthritis/Joint Pain

The aforementioned procedure of moxibustion can also be employed in the relief of certain kinds of arthritis and joint pain. In a study conducted by the “New Zealand Medical Journal”, this Ancient Chinese technique was tested on 110 patients with osteoarthritis. Half were given the moxibustion treatment whilst the other half received a placebo. The results show that there was a 51% reduction in pain for the group who received the moxibustion treatment, with only a 24% reduction in the placebo group. Knee function also increased by 51% in the moxibustion group and only increased by 13% in the placebo group. Whilst these effects were not necessarily permanent, the results are promising, with more study required of Mugwort and this technique in the provision of an alternative treatment for arthritis.

Menstruation

Mugwort is a uterine tonic and an emmenagogue (a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow). The uterus depends on healthy circulation to the pelvic region and strong uterine muscles to function properly. A toned uterus that is receiving good blood circulation allows for healthy monthly periods. Before using this herb to stimulate monthly menses it is advised that a pregnancy test is done first as this powerful herb can cause miscarriages and is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

Digestive Health

Mugwort is choleretic – a substance that increases the volume of secretion of bile from the liver, helping to transport and release toxins whilst providing great benefit to the digestive system.  It is also a chologogue – a substance that stimulates the flow of bile from the liver, differing slightly from a cholerectic which increases the volume. The secretion of bile is of great help to the whole digestive and assimilative process, and as we are what we eat – we are what we digest. The role of bile is primarily that of facilitating fat digestion, but also being a natural laxative it is thus cleansing to the system.

Mugwort is also known as a bitter digestive that can relieve stomach acidity, dyspepsia, travel sickness and acute bowel and stomach pain. 

Typical Use

Mugwort leaves can be made into a tea by infusing the leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes.    Suggested dosage:   Tea: Use 1-3 teaspoon of the leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10-15 minutes then strain. Drink up to 3 times per day.   Tincture: 2-4ml up to twice daily.

Folklore and History

Mugwort is the cousin of Wormwood and St John's Wort, but with slightly different chemical constituents.

        It has an enduring history of traditional use, right across the ancient world from the Americas to China.            Around 1,000 years ago, medieval brewers used Mugwort to make a beer or ale called "gruit". Because this beer was served and enjoyed in a mug, it is thought that is how Mugwort got its name - wort meaning plant or herb in Old English.           During the Roman Empire, Greek physician, surgeon and philosopher, Galen, reported the use of Mugwort for amenorrhea (absent menstruation). It was also noted as being used in Roman times by soldiers using it as a foot salve in their sandals to keep their feet from getting tired.           It is a native American tradition to burn Mugwort along with sage to smudge a sacred space before a ceremony. In the magical tradition of witchcraft Mugwort was used to enhance astral projection, lucid dreaming and altered states of consciousness.

Constituents

Essential oil containing 1,8-cineole, camphor, linalool, or thujone. Flowers contain: beta-sitosterol, courmarins, and alpha-and beta-carotene.  

Precautions

Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Ref. https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/mugwort

Mugwort Plant

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

Weeds are considered a gardening nuisance because they can spread like wildfire. But one weed in particular may help you change your mind about them: mugwort

Despite being classified as a weed, mugwort surprisingly has several practical applications, many of which you may find useful

Weeds are invasive plant species that can thrive in various environments.1 They typically produce a large number of seeds, which allows them to take over a location where they are not supposed to grow. Hence, gardeners exert tremendous effort to remove them whenever possible because their produce can suffer.2

However, not all weeds are inherently bad — some can actually be beneficial to your health, like mugwort.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is an aromatic plant with a rich history, with many ancient cultures having numerous uses for it. Its botanical name is derived from Artemis, the Greek goddess for chastity, virginity, the hunt and the environment.3

Historically, Anglo-Saxon tribes revered mugwort as a sacred herb gifted to them by their chief deity, Woden. Romans, on the other hand, planted mugwort on sidewalks to help travelers rest their feet from long walks.4

The Benefits of Mugwort

Mugwort plays an important role in Chinese acupuncture, with a history going back around 3,000 years.5 It is used in moxibustion, a process where mugwort leaves are gathered into sticks or cones the size of a cigar, and then burned over an acupuncture point to help release energy.6

Moxibustion can help treat menstrual cramping, stimulate a regular menstrual cycle and may even aid unborn infants to move into the correct position prior to delivery. In a study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, researchers noticed that performing moxibustion at the tip of the fifth toe yielded positive results for infants in the breech position.7

Native American tribes in California also use mugwort in their folk medicine tradition. It is believed to help with common conditions such as pain, colds and allergies.8

Different Uses of Mugwort You May Like

Despite being classified as a weed, mugwort surprisingly has several practical applications, which you may find useful. The most well-known include:9

Cooking ingredient — Mugwort leaves are known for their bitter flavor. You can use them for flavoring meat or fish, or even add them to a green smoothie.

Dream pillow — This is a small pillow filled with one or more aromatic herbs, which can help provide a relaxing sleep. Mugwort is a popular choice for this particular product.10

Natural insecticide — Mugwort's aroma is useful in helping keep pests out of your garden. If you plan to try this method, keep mugwort in a pot because it can spread rapidly throughout your garden if planted on soil.

Incense — Create a mugwort incense to help kill bad bacteria and spread a wonderful aroma around your home.

Growing Mugwort in Your Garden

Being a weed, mugwort can thrive just about anywhere, from fields to ditches and even the side of the road.11 That being said, growing mugwort requires discipline and consistency, because it can quickly overtake your garden and become truly invasive. Here are some tips to help you out:

• Preparing mugwort seeds — Before growing mugwort, the seeds need to be prepared for germination through stratification, a method that breaks seed dormancy by creating an optimal environment for them to grow. This drastically reduces the time it takes for seedlings to emerge.12

To stratify the seeds, you must simulate a cold climate. Start by mixing them with lightly misted sandy soil or peat moss inside a plastic bag. Then, chill the bag in a refrigerator for two weeks. Check every other day to ensure that the mixture is moist. If not, add some water again to maintain moisture.13

• Planting the seeds in your garden — Once stratification is done, plant the seeds during the early spring, because the cold soil will enhance the stratified seeds further. Scatter the seeds lightly and evenly on the soil's surface, 3 inches apart in all directions.14

Don't worry about the soil's pH level. However, it should have good drainage and full sun exposure. If all instructions are followed correctly, seedlings should appear in two weeks.15

• What to do once seedlings emerge — Once the seedlings reach a height of 4 inches, prune them to avoid overcrowding. Spread out the healthy seedlings, placing them 2 feet apart. Low-quality seedlings can be removed using garden shears.16

• Maintaining your mugwort plants — As your plants grow and reach maturity, maintain them properly to yield a high-quality harvest. Avoid overwatering, and trim them to prevent being overshadowed by fellow mugwort plants. If a plant becomes too heavy to support itself, remove the top or sides with pruning shears.17

Recipe: Making Mugwort Tea

Mugwort has several applications in cooking, but it is mostly known as an alternative to tea. It became popular during World War II in England, due to the increasing prices of regular tea throughout that period.18

How to Harvest the Best Mugwort Tea Leaves

Directions

Harvesting mugwort specifically for tea follows a certain procedure. Please follow this to harvest high-quality mugwort tea:

Cut the top one-third of the plant when mugwort's flower is in bloom.

Hang the plant upside down to dry (such as from an indoor clothesline), or chop it into small pieces, and spread out on a newspaper. The roots are dug up and collected in the fall.

Use a scrub brush and running water to clean the roots, then spread them out on a newspaper to let them dry completely.

Store all parts of the plant away from light, such as in paper bags.

How to Make Mugwort Tea

Procedure

Place 1 ounce of dried mugwort in 4 cups of boiling water and let it boil for five to 10 minutes, then strain.

If you let it sit longer and make a standard infusion in a Mason jar for four hours, the tea will become quite bitter.

Feel free to halve this recipe if you want to make less tea. You can keep any unused tea in the refrigerator for two to three days.

You Can Make Mugwort Root Tea as Well

Procedure

For a different kind of tea flavor, you can use mugwort roots. Here's the procedure:

Chop 1 ounce of mugwort roots and place them inside a glass or ceramic pot. Add 4 cups water afterward.

Let the mixture come to a boil, then continue to simmer while covered, until it reduces by half. This should take around 20 to 30 minutes.

Strain and drink.

Mugwort Is Also Useful as an Essential Oil

Aside from its culinary uses, mugwort enjoys a reputation in aromatherapy, which is the practice of using, dispersing or applying essential oils to promote better health. "Essential Oils: All-Natural Remedies and Recipes for Your Mind, Body and Home" discusses various ways mugwort oil can benefit you to:19

Relieve pain — The essential oil may help ease inflammation such as arthritis and stiff muscles.

Fight colds — Mugwort essential may help decongest and loosen up phlegm to provide relief in your respiratory system.

Support women's health — Gently massaging the oil on the abdomen may help ease cramps and tension.

Boost mood — The aroma of mugwort can uplift and relax your mood.

Before using mugwort essential oil, be sure to visit a doctor to make sure mugwort is an herb that will be beneficial for you. Your skin may have an allergic reaction to it, making it unsafe to use. You can perform a skin patch test by placing a diluted drop on your arm; wait and see if any negative reactions occur. If you're pregnant, it's best not to use this oil to avoid any side effects.

ources and References

1 USDA National Invasive Species Information Center, "Invasive Species: Plants"

2 Department of the Environment and Energy, "What Is a Weed?"

3 GreekMythology.com, "Artemis"

4 Encyclopedia.com, "Mugwort"

5 The Epoch Times, January 4, 2015

6 University of Minnesota, "Moxibustion"

7 The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, "Cephalic Version by Moxibustion for Breech Presentation" May 16, 2012

8 Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2013 June 1;3(2):47-51

9, 18 The Grow Network, "For the Love of Mugwort: 7 Uses for Mugwort" October 5, 2015

10 Adventures in Making, "DIY: Dream Pillows"

11 Gardening Know How, "Mugwort Control: Tips for Getting Rid of Mugwort"

12 Gardening Know How, "Seed Stratification: Learn About Stratification of Seeds & What Seeds Require Cold Treatment"

13, 14, 15, 16, 17 The Bump, "How to Grow Mugwort and Germination Instructions"

19 Essential Oils: All-Natural Remedies and Recipes for Your Mind, Body and Home

Children's Lack of Sleep Is a Hidden Health Crisis

Ref. https://articles.mercola.com/herbs-spices/mugwort.aspx

Artemisa

Artemisia 'Powis Castle'

Artemisia 'Powis Castle' by L. Krumfolz, UF/IFAS

Silver-leaved plants can help bring visual contrast into your landscape, and artemisia is an excellent example.

This group of cold-hardy perennials works well in the front of flower beds, or as transitional plants between colorful annuals.

Most artemisia varieties have foliage that's small in scale with a feathery look and a fuzzy texture. The foliage is also highly aromatic.

The biggest challenge with artemisia is that Florida's humid, wet summers sometimes cause the plants to rot. To help prevent problems, make sure to plant artemisia in well-drained soil in full sun or part shade.

A subspecies of Artemisia dracunculus is the culinary herb known as tarragon. Tarragon is a perennial with very narrow, pointed, dark green leaves. The plant, which reaches a height of 2 feet, does not fare well in Florida due to summer heat and humidity. If you do try, set transplants in the spring, 1 foot apart. Fresh leaves may be used, or dry them rapidly away from light so they will not turn dark. Store in tight jars to preserve the licorice aroma.

Artemisia even has an interesting history. Artemisia tridentata, ("big sagebrush" or "sagebrush") is the state flower of Nevada. And another species that's commonly known as wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is used to make the fabled drink known as absinthe. But don't try this at home—this plant is poisonous. The absinthe beverage is created with only selective extracts of the plant.

Ref. http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/artemisia.html

Good pictures:

https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=5148

Good monograph:

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

by Krystal Thompson

Common Names: Felon Herb, St. John’s Plant, Chrysanthemum Weed, Wild Wormwood, Old Uncle Henry, Sailor’s Tobacco, Maiden Wort, Chinese Honeysuckle.

Description/Taxonomy: Artemisia vulgaris is a member of the daisy family Asteraceae, also sometimes called Compositae. It is a tall-growing plant (between three and six feet when mature) that is native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized through much of the world. Mugwort propagates easily from small fragments of rhizome, and by this process it has spread rapidly and become an aggressive weed in Canada (10). Mugwort likes weedy areas or places where the soil has been disturbed, but always where there is plenty of sunlight. It is commonly found growing in dense stands on hedgebanks and waste places. The stems are angular and often have a purplish hue, with once or twice pinnately lobed leaves that are dark green on top and covered with a dense cottony fuzz on the underside. When in bloom, Mugwort flowers in small, oval-shaped reddish or pale yellow heads. Mugwort is similar in appearance to common Wormwood, but distinguished by its leaves only being white on the underside, and its leaf segments being pointed rather than blunt (1).

History: One of Mugwort’s common nicknames, St. John’s Plant, comes from the belief that John the Baptist wore a girdle of Mugwort in the wilderness for protection (2). The actual name Mugwort however is often attributed to its historical use in flavoring drinks, specifically in beer (often with other herbs such as Ground Ivy) before the use of hops became common practice at the end of the 15th century. For this purpose, fresh Mugwort was gathered when in flower, dried, decocted in malt liquor, then added to finished beer. Another theory about the source of this plant’s name is from the Greek word moughte, meaning moth or maggot. Like Wormwood, Mugwort was known for its success in repelling moths (1). The botanical name Artemisia is that of the Greek goddess of the hunt, fertility, and the forests and hills (2).

Parts Used: Leaves, root, flowering tops. Interestingly, the cottony down underside of the leaves is sometimes sought exclusively. This is harvested by heating the leaves and rubbing them between the harvester’s hands until the cottony fibers alone remain. These fibers are then formed into small cones or cylinders for topical use (1). See Medicinal Uses below for more on this!

Cultivation and Harvest: The flowering tops of Mugwort should be collected as soon as they bloom, as this is the height of volatile oil concentration (10). Mugwort leaves should be collected before the plant flowers and dried like Wormwood: spread into fan shapes so the leaves dry evenly, then tied into bundles and hung in open air. Though Mugwort’s aromatic properties are not quite as potent as Wormwood’s, it is still good practice to hang the bundles in a shady space protected from direct sunlight; this will ensure preservation of the aromatic properties. Mugwort roots are dug in autumn and immediately washed in cold water to be separated from rootlets. Roots should be well spread out before left to dry, as contact could promote mold growth. They should be dried in a warm room for about ten days and turned frequently. Once they appear a bit shrunken and shriveled, the drying process must be finished artificially in a drying room or near a stove or fire. The drying process is not complete until roots are dry all the way through and brittle; they should snap when bent (1).

Herbal Actions: Anthelmintic: expels parasitic worms and other internal parasites without harming the host. Diaphoretic: induces perspiration. Diuretic: promotes urine production. Emmenagogue: stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus; some stimulate menstruation. Nervine: benefits the nervous system, in this case as both a stimulant and tonic nervine. Oneirogen: enhances dreaming. Stomachic: promotes the appetite or aids digestion.

Constituents: Roots contain tannin, inulin, resin. Volatile oil contains over one hundred identified components including cineole, camphor and thujone. The flowers contain beta-sitosterol, coumarins, and alpha and beta-carotene. Study of a crude extract yielded alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, and terpenes.

Energetics: bitter, acrid, warm. Dryness in the body can be caused by overuse of warming foods and herbs, and issues that are caused by dryness may be worsened if responded to with Mugwort.

Meridians/Organs Affected: spleen, liver, kidney.

Ethnobotany: Roman soldiers were known to put Mugwort leaves in their sandals to keep their feet from tiring (2). Native Americans used Mugwort as a spiritual ally in addition to a medicinal one. They believed that rubbing Mugwort leaves along the body would keep ghosts away, and that wearing a necklace of Mugwort leaves would keep one from dreaming about the dead (2). Cheyenne women also commonly used “woman’s” Mugwort or prairie sagewort, Artemisia frigida, to regulate their fertility. Women of other Native American tribes such as the Blackfoot and Arapaho also depended on Mugwort as a stimulant in the case of missed menstruation (6).

Medicinal Uses: As a tonic, Mugwort is highly sought after for its affinity for the female reproductive system. It is commonly used as a uterine stimulant that can both bring on delayed menstruation and aid in the balance and support of a regular menstrual cycle, which can be achieved by taking Mugwort internally or applying it topically onto the lower abdomen (10). It also halts excessive menstrual bleeding caused by deficiency, circulates the blood to the pelvic region, warms the womb, pacifies the fetus, and arrests threatened miscarriages (7). Further, Dioscorides recommended a decoction of Mugwort in a bath if there is trouble passing the placenta after birth. This, and most of Mugwort’s female tonic actions, is achieved by a warming and thinning effect.

The use of the down of Mugwort leaves is a very popular practice in TCM, Japanese, and Korean medicine for cases of rheumatism. Once formed, the cottony cones are placed directly onto the skin and then ignited for use as a counterirritant. The cones (or sometimes the mugwort is prepared into a sort of cigarette form where a hot ash can build on one end) are left on the arthritic spot until it becomes hot, and then are moved to the next spot, and back and forth until the areas become red, but not blistered. Through this process, the veins in the areas of pain or “congestion” are dilated, promoting circulation. Commonly referred to as Moxas or moxabustion, this is a good method for quick pain relief in cases such as injuries or bruises, and for long-term rheumatic pain support (5). It can also be thought of as a sort of “tonic process,” as it can be used at any time to stimulate the flow of qi. In general, it especially dispels cold and dampness (6).

Mugwort is beneficial as a diaphoretic at the onset of the common cold (1). As a nervine, it is used in cases of hysteria and fits, both epileptic and otherwise. It is noted that it is an especially good choice for epileptics with weak constitutions (1). David Hoffman notes that Mugwort’s nervine benefit against depression and tension is due to its volatile oil (8). That means it is especially important to take care when brewing Mugwort infusion for this purpose, as the volatile oils can be lost if the infusion is prepared or left to cool uncovered.

According to Culpepper, Mugwort root is one of the best stomachics available to us, though he also notes using a fresh leaf infusion for the same purpose. “A slight infusion is excellent for all disorders of the stomach, prevents sickness after meals, and creates an appetite,” he says. But he also cautions that to brew the infusion too strong is to cause the opposite effect and that it will disgust the tastes. Mugwort aids the digestive system via the combination of the bitter stimulation of digestive juices while also providing a carminative oil (8).

Culpepper suggests drinking an infusion morning and evening for cases of hysterics and obstruction of the spleen. He suggests that the oil in the infusion (assuming it’s brewed correctly- I repeat, keep those lids ON, y’all) kills worms, resists poison, and benefits the liver and jaundice (1). On this note, Mugwort can be used preventatively or curatively for parasites and worms, both internally and externally. As is the case for most of the Artemisias, Mugwort also has mild antifungal properties and is beneficial against dysentery (7).

In my browsing for this article, I also saw notes from a few studies that suggested that Mugwort has immunosuppressive activity which could be beneficial in the response to autoimmune diseases. Similarly, Mugwort is beneficial topically against eruptive reactions, such as contact with Poison Ivy. In this case, one would use a strongly brewed infused as an external wash (7).

Dreaming and Ceremonial Use: Admittedly, that Mugwort is often used as an aid for lucid dreaming and other dream explorations is all that I knew about this plant when I chose it for the subject of my monograph this month. Now that we know that this plant does in fact also benefit us in waking life, let’s go ahead and talk dreams. Were you waiting for it? I kind of was. Here goes. Likely the most common preparation of Mugwort for its oneirogen, or dream enhancing, properties is to fill a dream pillow with dried leaves or to rest fresh leaves directly onto one’s regular bedtime pillow. Mugwort is also prepared and used as a smudging herb for ceremonial purposes that include the connection to or mimicking of a dream like state. It was also traditionally combined with plants such as Sage, Thuja, and Osha and burned over a piece of charcoal in a seashell or similar container to purify a physical environment (7).

Popular interest in dream retention and analysis hit an all-time high in the late 20th century, and thus the demand for and interest in Mugwort significantly increased. I would feel confident in wagering that the average person would still be more likely to recognize Mugwort for its dream enhancing properties rather than its medicinal benefits. Plant-based oneirogens are typically used in one of two ways: either taken before sleep to stimulate dreaming, or used to induce a dream-like state that closely parallels the sensory and mental experience of a vivid dream, such as ceremonial smudging.

Mugwort is almost always included in the nine sacred herbs of summer solstice, and the incense is traditionally used as a blessing for shamans at the beginning of their journeys (6). No doubt this is also because of the plant’s oneirogen properties.

Herbal Courses To Choose From

Allies: As an emmenagogue, Mugwort has historically been used with Pennyroyal and Southernwood (1). The calming properties of Lavender are a good balance to the vivid and sometimes overwhelming dreams that Mugwort can produce; the two are often used together in dream pillows. It is also suggested that combining Agrimony, Mugwort, and vinegar is an excellent alleviation for sciatica or muscular stiffness (6). Mugwort was also traditionally paired with Myrrh in an infusion to aid in drawing out menstrual blood or afterbirth (10).

Culinary Use: In cooking, Mugwort is primarily used as an aromatic, and was historically one of the green herbs with which geese were stuffed before roasting (1), and in herbal vinegars and seasonings. Because of its bitter taste, it is best paired in small quantities with fatty foods. Surprisingly, Mugwort also commonly appears as a coloring agent in Japanese mochi.

Cautions and Contraindications: Though it is a gentle emmenagogue on the scale of plants with that action, Mugwort is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Allergies to the pollen of Mugwort are also common, use cautiously if you tend to have issues with ragweed. Regardless of physical condition, using large amounts of Mugwort can cause gastrointestinal distress. Other than these few notes, there are no reports of side effects and contraindications when used properly (9).

Dosage and Method of Delivery: Mugwort is commonly prepared as an infusion, roughly one ounce of the herb to one pint of boiling water, steeped in a covered vessel to limit the loss of water soluble property evaporation. When using as a diaphoretic, this infusion should be given warm in ½ teaspoon doses. This same infusion may also be taken cold as a tonic up to three times daily (1). As the action of Mugwort is bitter, so is its flavor. Sweeter herbs like Lemon Balm are good additions to a Mugwort tonic if it is too bitter for the drinker. The flowering tops are also commonly used in powdered form, this preparation being specifically indicated for agues (fever or shivering fits).

References & Citations:

Grieve, Maud. A Modern Herbal. Mrs. M Grieve, 1931.

www.mountainroseherbs.com

Barrett, Deirdre, McNamara, Patrick, Ph.D. Encyclopedia of Sleep and Dreams: The Evolution, Function, Nature, and Mystery of Nocturnal Behaviors. ABL-CLIO, Inc., 2012.

Blankenship, Valerie. “Western and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Arthritis.” www.sagewomanherbs.com, 2014.

“Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris.” www.anniesremedy.com

Tierra, Michael, C.A., N.D. Planetary Herbology. Lotus Press, 1992.

Hoffman, David. The Herbal Handbook, A User’s Guide to Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press, 1998.

Skenderi, Gazmend. Herbal Vade Mecum. Herbacy Press, 2003.

Tobyn, Graeme, Alison Denham, and Midge Whitelegg. The Western Herbal Tradition: 2,000 Years of Medicinal Plant Knowledge. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2011.

Ref. https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/mugwort?rq=mugwort

https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/mugwort?rq=mugwort

Sleep:
Mugwort is NOT St. John's Wort. They are quite different plants (and chemistry), although they both may grow in the same region. ... Mugwort is rarely taken as a tea. It's primary use is as a local allergen, causing REM sleep (rather than deep sleep).

Really great Id aid with detailed pictures:
http://identifythatplant.com/is-this-mugwort-or-something-else/