California Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris (LINN.) N.O. Compositae
Felon Herb
St. John's
Plant
Cingulum
Sancti Johannis
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Mugwort was traditionally used as a flavourant
bitters in the cottage brewing
of beer.
It is still sought by home-brew fanciers,
but replaced commercially by
the introduction of
fermented hops.
"In the Middle Ages, the plant was known as Cingulum Sancti Johannis, it
being believed that John the Baptist wore a girdle of it in the wilderness.
There were many superstitions connected with it: it was believed to preserve the
wayfarer from fatigue, sunstroke, wild beasts and evil spirits generally: a
crown made from its sprays was worn on St. John's Eve to gain security from evil
possession, and in Holland and Germany one of its names is St. John's Plant,
because of the belief, that if gathered on St. John's Eve it gave protection
against diseases and misfortunes....."
The leaves were used as a tea sub in Cornwall sixty or seventy years ago,
since tea was seven shillings (British currency) an ounce at the time.*
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A volatile oil
an acrid resin
and tannin
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stimulant
slightly tonic properties
nervine
palsy
fits
epileptic seizures
hysteria
emmenagogue
diuretic
diaphoretic
moth
repellant for wool
dewormer.
in water, ale, wine, or the juice:
dropsy ,
jaundice,
hysterics,
obstruction of the spleen,
stomach weakness
"Oil taken on sugar and ..then drunk.. kills worms,
resists poison,
and is good for the liver
and jaundice"
Boiled in lard for swollen tonsils.
With honey, reduces discoloration from bruising.
Leaves and Root:
Digestive bitters,
mild relaxant,
It is useful for nervous tension and depression.
strongly warms parasympathetic nervous system activity.
Useful for pinworm infestation,
preventative or recuperative.
Downy leaves: Artemisia moxa
aromatic culinary herb(stuffing),
preparation of Moxas (Japanese) cure for rheumatism.
Cottony substance rubbed off leaves and subs for tinder.
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