Common name: Mugwort
Scientific name: Artemisia vulgaris 北艾、白蒿、細葉艾、野艾
Genus: Artemisia 萵屬
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae 菊科, aster , daisy, composite or sunflower family
Remarks*:
The name Artemisia ultimately derives from Artemis 阿耳忒彌斯、阿爾忒彌斯、阿爾泰密斯、亞提米斯、阿爾泰美斯, the Greek goddess of the moon, wild animals, and hunting.
The origins of this name date back to the Anglo-Saxons and has links to old German and Norse words. The Anglo-Saxons spelt it ‘mucgwyt’ but probably pronounced it as we do today. The head word (mug) is a direct reference to the fact that since the Iron Age the plant was used to flavour drinks. The second part is a direct reference to the Old English word for a ‘root, herb or plant which is ‘wyrt’. Similarities exist in Old High German where ‘wurz’ (pronounced wurtz), means root and the Old Norse word ‘urt’, means plant.Folklore The Anglo-Saxons believed that the plant should be dug up on Midsummer’s Eve and go in search of a ‘coal’ secreted by the roots. This would give the finder and keeper protection from lightening, plague and carbuncles. This idea of harvesting it on a certain day as a protection from evil is reflected in Medieval Dutch and German folklore. Here, Mugwort is known as St John’s plant and was picked on St. John’s eve to ensure protection against ill health and misfortune.
Folk Medicine This plant has long been associated with helping to treat women with conditions such as infertility, irregular menstruation and problematic pregnancy. This link goes back to the ancient Greeks and the Latin name Artemisia, which comes from the goddess Artemis who was famous for helping women give birth. North America Indians used tea made with dried leaves to treat colds and fevers. They also used it in washes and salves to treat bruises, itching, sores, eczema and to reduce underarm or foot odour. The leaves, when dried and crushed, were used as a snuff to relieve congestion, nosebleeds and headaches. Whilst there is no clinical evidence to support the benefits of using Mugwort, modern herbalists still prescribe it to calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, alleviate intense headaches and as a treatment for epilepsy
It has also been mentioned in popular culture for centuries. Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) was used to repel midges (mug = midge), fleas and moths, intestinal worms, and in brewing as a remedy against hangovers and nightmares.
Origin: Archaeophyte (established before 1500 AD.) It has a Eurosiberian Temperate distribution.
Date: 16th July
166 A tall, robust, aromatic perennial, can reach up to 150cm. Branches erect.
171 Stem. (becoming glabrous - from textbook)
168 Leaves 5-8cm, deeply divided, dark green, glabrous above, ultimate segments lanceolate, 3-6mm wide.
169 Leaves whitish pubescent beneath.
167 Flowering heads 3-4mm across, numerous.
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