Mugwort, Common Wormwood, Wild Wormwood, Traveler’s Herb, Sailor’s Tobacco, Cronewort, Mother of Herbs
Mugwort is a tall, aromatic perennial herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae), reaching up to 2 meters in height. It has deeply lobed, dark green leaves with silvery undersides and small reddish or yellowish flowers that bloom in late summer. Mugwort thrives in temperate climates, often found along roadsides, riverbanks, and wastelands throughout the UK and Isle of Man.
It is a strongly scented plant, closely related to other Artemisia species, and has long been associated with protection, intuition, and dream work.
Mugwort has a rich legacy in British and Manx folklore. Known as a protective herb, it was used to ward off evil spirits and illness. Travellers would carry sprigs for protection on long journeys—hence its old name "Traveler’s Herb." In Midsummer celebrations, it was burned in bonfires or worn as a garland to dispel negativity and enhance psychic clarity.
In the Isle of Man, Mugwort was gathered around St. John's Eve for spiritual rituals, dream work, and female health. Women would use it in teas or baths to regulate the womb and ease cramps. It was also considered a "witch's herb," burned for intuition and lucid dreaming.
Planted near thresholds, it was said to prevent ghosts from entering the home and was sometimes tied into protective charms for animals and children.