Mugwort: The Dreamer's Herb and Guardian of Thresholds

Cole Schoonover
May 22
3 min read

In the hidden corners of the garden or along the untamed edges of pathways and fields, Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) stands like a sentinel — tall, wild, and wise. With silver-backed leaves and a long history of use in both medicine and magic, Mugwort has long whispered to those who listen.

This is a plant of dreams, boundaries, and deep remembrance.

Growing Habitat

Mugwort is a hardy perennial native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa, but it now grows freely across North America and beyond. It thrives in disturbed soils — roadsides, vacant lots, field edges, and untamed garden corners. Once established, Mugwort is incredibly resilient, preferring full sun but tolerating partial shade. It can grow in a variety of soils, though it favors well-drained, slightly alkaline conditions. Left to her own devices, she can become dominant, spreading through both rhizomes and seed — a reminder of her wild, untamable nature.

Key Identifying Features

Leaves: Deeply lobed, green on top and silvery-white underneath due to a fine layer of soft hairs — they almost shimmer when the wind moves through them.
Stems: Tall, often reaching 3–6 feet, with a reddish or purplish hue.
Flowers: Tiny, pale yellow to reddish brown, forming panicles in late summer. They’re not showy, but subtly beautiful.
Aroma: The crushed leaves release a pungent, sage-like scent — unmistakable, especially in the warmth of summer.

Medicinal Uses

Digestive Aid

Mugwort stimulates bile production and has traditionally been used for sluggish digestion, gas, and bloating. Creating a cold infusion will release more gut soothing aspects of Mugwort, whereas a hot tea will better aid in the release of bile for digestive support.

Menstrual Support

Known as an emmenagogue (stimulates menstrual flow), Mugwort is used to stimulate and regulate menstruation, ease cramping, and support tone in the smooth muscle of the uterus.

Nervine

Its bitter profile also offers subtle support to the nervous system — calming without sedating, grounding without dulling. Mugwort is a choice herb when addressing mood fluctuations or headaches associated with PMS for its nervine and liver calming qualities.

Dreamwork & Sleep

Perhaps most famously, Mugwort is the plant of dreams. Taken as tea or tucked into sleep sachets or dream pillows, it is said to enhance lucid dreaming, deepen dream recall, and protect the dreamer.

Safety

Mugwort should be avoided during pregnancy due to its potential to stimulate uterine contractions. For internal use, harvest Mugwort prior to flowering - as Mugwort ages she creates more of the neurotoxic compound thujone, when used regularly at this stage it can harm cognitive function.

Energetic Whispers

Mugwort carries the energy of thresholds — of stepping between worlds. Carefully footed in both the physical and spiritual realm Mugwort calls to those on the edge of change, or in need of clarity between what is and what is becoming. When I grow and harvest Mugwort, I feel her as a plant of deep feminine wisdom, a matrilineal guide for times of uncertainty.

Growing where others won't, she shows us how to reclaim space, to trust our own instincts, and to walk in both the seen and unseen worlds. Her energy is cleansing, protective, and intuitive — reminding us that healing often begins with dreaming.

Working with Mugwort reminds me of reading to my Baba as a child, she spoke mostly Ukrainian and French so our communication was limited, but I felt her love and I knew her heart. Just like Baba, Mugwort provides boundless support and love along your pathway to self discovery.

Whispers from Mugwort teach us to first imagine the change, holding the image in your mind’s eye - then ask, and allow the web of consciousness to help you weave your vision into reality.

Closing Thoughts

Whether you're growing Mugwort in your garden, sipping her in a tea blend, or simply observing her in the wild, she invites you to listen deeply. To slow down. To honor the cycles — in nature, in your body, in your spirit.

Let her be a guide, a wild ally, and a reminder that the medicine you need might just be growing right at your feet.

Try organic, locally-grown and cured Mugwort in one of my medicinal teas today!

Thanks for reading! I have summarized this content into a downloadable PDF below for you to help with identifying and working with Mugwort.