Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Common Names

Mugwort, Common Wormwood, Wild Wormwood, Traveler’s Herb, Sailor’s Tobacco, Cronewort, Mother of Herbs

Botanical Description

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.

Parts Used
  • Aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops)
  • Root (occasionally used, less commonly)
Constituents
  • Volatile oils (cineole, thujone, borneol)
  • Flavonoids
  • Tannins
  • Coumarins
  • Bitter principles
  • Inulin
Actions
  • Nervine
  • Digestive stimulant
  • Anthelmintic
  • Emmenagogue
  • Antispasmodic
  • Carminative
  • Mild sedative

Equine Use

Benefits:
  • May aid sluggish digestion and relieve mild colic
  • Can help with uterine support and cycle regulation in mares
  • Calming effects for nervy or unsettled horses
Use Considerations:
  • Thujone content means it should be used in moderation
  • Best given short-term or in cycles
  • Not recommended for pregnant mares or horses with seizure disorders
Form:
  • Dried herb in small quantities mixed with feed
  • Light infusions (tea) added to feed or water
  • Not commonly used in tincture form for horses due to thujone

Canine Use

Benefits:
  • Supports digestion in gassy or bloated dogs
  • May help with anxiety and sleep (in small doses)
  • Gentle vermifuge properties
Considerations:
  • Only in very small doses and short durations
  • Avoid in epileptic or pregnant dogs
  • Bitter taste can deter ingestion—blend with palatable herbs
Form:
  • Weak infusion or powdered in capsules
  • Can be used topically in flea-repelling washes or sprays

UK and Isle of Man Folklore & Traditional Use

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.

⚠ Safety & Contraindications

  • Not for use during pregnancy (uterine stimulant)
  • Should be avoided in animals with seizure disorders or liver disease
  • Thujone-containing—use only short-term and in low doses
  • Always introduce slowly to equine or canine diets
  • Strong taste and smell may reduce acceptance in animals

Calming

Digestion

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)