Herbs in Witchcraft - Mugwort

Mugwort is definitely a witchcraft herb. Though it's not a culinary, it's powerful in spells and healing remedies. Let's explore how to use mugwort in your magical workings.

Mugwort just sounds witchy. This slightly fuzzy, earthy and bitter herb is not commonly found in the kitchen, though it is edible. But when you look in witchcraft books, it's everywhere. It's so common in witchcraft, that I thought it deserved its own exploration here, even if it's not particularly delicious.

I have a jar of this in my own kitchen that I don't use enough, so this post will help us all explore how this herb can make our lives more awesome.

Healing Properties of Mugwort

Mugwort has this wonderfully complex energy. It's both stimulating and calming at the same time, which honestly feels very on-brand for a plant that's been used in witchcraft and medicine for thousands of years. This silvery-green herb doesn't mess around when it comes to supporting your body.

Digestive stimulant

Mugwort is a bitter herb, and if you know anything about herbalism, bitter herbs are digestive powerhouses. It helps stimulate your digestive function and get things moving. If your digestion feels sluggish, mugwort can help wake up your digestive system.

Menstrual support

This is where this herb really shines for those with menstrual cycles. It's traditionally used as an emmenagogue, which means it stimulates pelvic blood flow and can help support delayed menstruation. Herbalists often combine it with calendula, cramp bark, black haw, and mint for extra effectiveness.

Important note: In Western herbalism tradition, mugwort is contraindicated during pregnancy. However, it's worth noting that in Traditional Chinese Medicine, mugwort (moxa) actually holds a different role and is used to prevent miscarriage and support abnormal uterine bleeding. If you're pregnant or trying to conceive, definitely chat with your healthcare provider before using it medicinally.

Gentle calming and mood support

Mugwort's volatile oils offer a mild nervine action. Basically, it gently calms your nervous system. It's traditionally used for anxiety and low mood, helping ease that mental restlessness when you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck in your head.

Respiratory and skin healing

Mugwort works as an expectorant to help clear congestion and support respiratory health. Topically, you can brew a strong tea and use it as a wash to soothe rashes, wounds, and swelling. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin but effective enough to actually make a difference.

A word of caution: As mentioned, avoid mugwort medicinally if you're pregnant (unless working with a Chinese medicine practitioner who uses it differently). It may stimulate uterine contractions. If you're nursing, breastfeeding, or have a history of hormone-sensitive conditions, check with your healthcare provider. Some people can be sensitive to mugwort, so do a patch test if you're using it topically.

Magical Properties of Mugwort

Because of those relaxing properties, mugwort is most deeply associated with psychic enhancement, clairvoyance, and astral projection. It's also common in sleep magick and can help you call in prophetic dreams or lucid dreaming. Use it in spells for protection, especially for travel, as well as women's rituals and calling in crone energy.

Mugwort is associated with the sabbats of Imbolc, Ostara, Litha, and Lughnasadh. With its silvery green leaves, it's ruled by the Moon and the element of water. It's also tied to the planet Mercury and the zodiac signs Taurus and Libra. This herb is sacred to Artemis, Chandra, Diana, and Hecate.

Witchcraft Uses for Mugwort

As always, you are only limited by your imagination when it comes to using this herb in your witchcraft. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Brew a cup of mugwort tea before bed to enhance your dreams or aid in astral projection.
• Add the dried herb to a charm bag or dream pillow to help you sleep.
• Burn it as loose incense during scrying or other divination.
• Add the dried herb to a spell jar for travel protection.
• Place a live plant near your front door to protect your home.

Recipes for the Kitchen Witch

I have never cooked with mugwort and have only occasionally added it to tea. Most often, I use it as a spell ingredient or in loose incense blends. From the little bit of research I've done, it appears this herb is eaten more commonly in Asian cuisines than in the West. Here are a couple of mugwort recipes I'm interested in trying out.

• Tea Recipe for Lucid Dreaming from Mountain Rose Herbs
• Mugwort Crumble Muffins from Sweet Baking Well

And of course, you can make your own herbal remedies as well. Here are a few suggestions.

• Mugwort Facial Toner
• Mugwort Liniment
• Mugwort Tincture

While you might not want to sprinkle this herb on your pizza, it's certainly a highly useful herb for healing and magick. Whether you're calming your nervous system, projecting your spirit, tapping into your dreams, or protecting your energy, mugwort has got you covered.

Sources:

• Spirit of the Ridge
• The Hearth Witch's Compendium by Anna Franklin