At the time of writing this, I am fully submerged in the autumn season. The leaves are still changing colors, the fungi are fruiting, Halloween is in the air, and most of us are turning inward—towards warm baths, hot teas, and new indoor projects and activities to keep ourselves inspired during the colder months to come. Perhaps some of us are thinking about our inner world a little more than usual. No matter your mode, it feels like the perfect time to talk about one of our favorite plants, Mugwort (Artemisia spp.).
Throughout history, this ancient herb has held a special place in the hearts of herbalists, dreamers, and healers. Mugwort is believed to bridge the gap between physical healing and spiritual practice. Its deep roots in folklore, herbalism, and magic make it a favorite among those who seek to harmonize with nature and spirit. Found growing wild across the Pacific Northwest, and most of the northern hemisphere, mugwort is more than just a medicinal plant — it is an invitation to connect with the natural world, human ancestry, and ourselves.
At Deschampsia, where wild-foraged and organic-grown herbs are at the heart of every product, mugwort has inspired us since the beginning. In this post, we'll take a deep dive into its identification, herbal actions, cultural significance, relationship to magic, and everyday rituals, as well as how you can experience the magic of mugwort through our offerings.
How to Identify Mugwort in the Wild
Identifying mugwort requires attention to detail:
Leaves: Green on the surface, often toothed, with a soft, silvery white-fuzzy underside.
Note – A. ludoviciana, found in dry areas, is silvery-white on both sides
Stems: Upright and often woody at the base.
Flowers: Small and clustered, usually yellowish to green, blooming mid to late summer.
Aroma: When the leaves are crushed, mugwort releases a distinctive, aromatic scent that is thick and syrupy with hints of sage and camphor.
The western United States, where we live, is home to several species of mugwort, including Artemisia ludoviciana (Western Mugwort) and Artemisia douglasiana (California Mugwort). These plants thrive in diverse habitats: coastal shores, along riverbanks, in meadows, disturbed areas, and at forest edges. I typically find A. douglasiana (California Mugwort) on the western moister coastal parts of the pacific northwest and into the Cascade Mountains. A. ludoviciana (Western Mugwort) seems to prefer dryer environments, as I find it on the eastern slope of the cascades and into the sagebrush steppes of the inner mountain high desert--often near water ways. The commonly used, “Old-World” species, Artemisia vulgaris (Common Mugwort) looks more similar to A. douglasiana (California Mugwort) but often has deeper toothed leaves. It grows well in gardens and is used interchangeably with wild species. A. vulgaris (Common Mugwort) has also naturalized in many parts of North America—so it is not unusual to find it in wilder disturbed areas usually closer to people.
As part of the Asteraceae family, mugwort plays an essential ecological role. Its aromatic foliage can deter certain herbivores, and its small, inconspicuous flowers support native pollinators. Its thick rhizomonous root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Wildcrafting mugwort requires ethical harvesting practices — always taking only what is needed and leaving plenty for the plants to regenerate and wildlife to thrive.
Herbal Actions and Constituents
Mugwort is valued for several key herbal actions:
Emmenagogue: Stimulates menstrual flow, making it helpful for menstrual irregularities.
Bitter Tonic: Increases digestive secretions, improving digestion and reducing bloating.
Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally used to treat infections and minor inflammations.
Aromatic: Uplifting and clears mental fog.
Nervine/Mild Sedative: Eases anxiety and supports restful sleep.
Externally, mugwort can be infused into oils or salves to ease muscle pain and inflammation. For herbalists, it’s a valuable plant ally with a dual nature — both soothing and invigorating. However, like many powerful herbs, it must be used mindfully--especially if consuming internally. It contains thujone, a compound that can be toxic in large amounts. Also, If you are allergic to ragweed, you may also be allergic to mugwort.
Traditional Uses Across Cultures and Time
Throughout history, mugwort, a close relative to wormwood, was used as a multi-purpose medicinal herb. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was considered a protective plant and was used to ward off fatigue during long journeys. Roman soldiers were known to place mugwort leaves in their sandals to prevent weariness while marching. The herb was believed to aid digestion, ease menstrual cramps, and promote restful sleep. In medieval Europe, it was added to amulets and charms for protection, particularly against the plague, evil spirits, and nightmares.
In Japan, monks tied bundles of mugwort to their robes to repel any malicious beings lurking nearby. The plant became known in Japan as a guardian herb, used in both Buddhist and Shinto practices for purification. In traditional Chinese medicine, mugwort has a long history of use in moxibustion, a therapeutic technique where dried mugwort is burned near the skin to stimulate acupuncture points. Moxibustion promotes circulation and is thought to balance the body’s energy, or “Qi.” The practice remains integral to acupuncture traditions today.
Among Indigenous Peoples of North America, especially in Western regions, mugwort held spiritual and medicinal value. Tribes such as the Coast Salish used mugwort in smudging ceremonies, burning it to purify spaces, remove negative energy, and enhance dreams. It was believed to ward off bad dreams when placed under pillows, similar to European traditions. Medicinally, it was employed to treat skin irritations, digestive disorders, and colds. The Chumash people used mugwort to soothe poison oak rashes, while the Luiseño made poultices to treat bites and wounds.
Dream Magic & Witchcraft
Mugwort is closely associated with dream magic, lucid dreaming, and divination, and in many cultures, it was believed to help access spiritual realms. The name Artemisia itself comes from the greek goddess Artemis—representing nature, the hunt, childbirth, and is associated with the moon. Which just so happens to be the same color as the underside of its leaves! In Europe, it became known as the "Dream Herb" because of its use in dream pillows, where dried mugwort leaves were sewn into fabric pouches and placed under pillows to induce prophetic dreams. This tradition persists to this day among herbalists and practitioners of folk magic.
Witchcraft lore contains numerous references to mugwort. In medieval Europe, it was believed that witches used mugwort to enhance their spiritual sight. Mugwort tea or smoke was thought to open the “third eye” and help witches contact otherworldly entities. Some witchcraft traditions involved bathing in mugwort-infused water before rituals to purify the body and prepare it for spiritual work.
One specific ritual was for witches to anoint themselves with mugwort oil or carry the herb when “flying” (either metaphorically or in dreams). It was believed that the plant's protective qualities extended into the spiritual plane, preventing harm during out-of-body experiences.
During the Midsummer Festival—an ancient pagan celebration of the summer solstice—mugwort was worn as a crown or burned in bonfires. The ritual use of mugwort during this time symbolized protection, healing, and renewal. After the festival, participants would hang leftover mugwort in their homes to guard against illness and misfortune for the coming year.
Mugwort in Beer Brewing
Before the introduction of hops, beer was brewed with a blend of herbs known as gruit, and mugwort was one of the primary ingredients. Gruit blends varied by region, but mugwort was favored for its bitter flavor and mild psychoactive effects.
Mugwort beer was thought to have magical qualities, stimulating vivid dreams and lucid states. Some believed that drinking mugwort beer before sleep could lead to prophetic dreams or encounters with spirits, reinforcing the herb’s mystical reputation.
However, in the 11th century, hops began to replace herbs like mugwort in beer brewing. The transition from gruit to hops was driven by several factors. Some historians suggest that the Christian Church promoted hops in place of traditional gruit blends, which had connections to pre-Christian pagan rituals and fertility festivals. Hops, unlike mugwort, lacked the psychoactive properties, dampening the euphoric effects that mugwort-infused beer provided. Over time, hops became the standard in beer production, and gruit herbs, including mugwort, were marginalized. This change was more than just a shift in taste; it marked a transition from ancient herbal knowledge to more regulated brewing practices that aligned with Christian morality.
Incorporating Mugwort into Your Rituals
Whether you purchase mugwort-infused products or work with the plant directly, there are many ways to bring its magic into your life:
Mugwort Tea or Infusion: A simple herbal tea can calm the mind, promote vivid dreams, support digestion, and regulate menstrual flow.
Dream Pillows or Sachets: Place a small pouch filled with dried mugwort under your pillow to enhance dreams and improve recall.
Smudge Bundles: Use a small bundle of dried mugwort to clear negative energy from a space or object and to ward off bad dreams.
Bath Ritual: Add dried mugwort to a warm bath to soothe muscles and prepare for restful sleep.
These small rituals invite mindfulness into daily life and promote connection between body, mind, and the natural world.
Mugwort in Deschampsia Products
At Deschampsia, we incorporate mugwort into a variety of our products. We mindfully forage this herb in our local lands and process it using pre-industrial practices to gently extract its wonderful essence into several of our skincare and natural perfumery products. The invigorating and yet calming effect of mugwort makes it a perfect addition to your self care practice.
Here is a clue in figuring out which of our products contain mugwort. Look for the words, “Dreamy” or “Desert” in the title or simply type "mugwort" into the search bar:
Dreamy Rose Body Oil & Bath Soak: Whether you are dreaming away in the bathtub or nourishing your skin on your way out, a sensuous blend of patchouli, mugwort, and true rose are sure to enhance your experience.
Dreamy Mugwort & Lavender Hydrosol: co-distilled from local fresh grown lavender and wild-foraged California Mugwort, this hydrosol is heavenly on the skin, and excellent for use in sleep and dream rituals.
Dream Balm: Infused with a blend of neuro-relaxing herbs including mugwort + the essential oil from our mugwort & lavender distillation, this balm is sure to calm the spirit. Rub on your temples to relieve tension, stress, or during bed time to promote deep rest and vivid dreams.
Desert Rain Hydrosol: High-desert in a bottle! This refreshing aromatic spray, is co-distilled from several desert herbs including western mugwort, sagebrush, and yarrow flower. It instantly transports you to this unique wide-open desert landscape.
Desert Magic Balm: A skin nourishing balm made with the same collection of plants found in our Desert Rain Hydrosol but infused into a blend of organic plant oils, rich plant butters, and local beeswax.
Desert Dreams Soap Bar: This creamy soap features mugwort as an aromatic ingredients alongside sage, eucalyptus, and lavender.
Rekindling the Ancient Bond with Mugwort
Mugwort is more than just an herb; it is a bridge between the tangible and the unseen, the physical and the spiritual. Whether you encounter it in a forest clearing or through a bottle of Deschampsia’s handcrafted products, mugwort offers an opportunity to reconnect — with nature, with your dreams, and with our ancestral relationship.
We invite you to explore the magic of mugwort for yourself. Visit deschampsia.co to discover our full range of wild-foraged and herbal products. Let this ancient herb inspire your rituals and bring harmony to your daily life.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any herbal regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a pre-existing health condition.