Mugwort AKA Tarragon

 Who knew these were the same plant? Not I. Until I began researching mugwort. I was so close to pulling up my tarragon because it gets about 6 feet tall every summer. That is, before I hack it down twice a year. Now I know better. Mugwort is an amazing plant, and I used to purchase it from Mountain Rose to use in my tinctures, and brews. Now that I know what I have, I share it with my friends. 

Ok, let's talk about the benefits and uses of this beauty. 

 In many cultures, mugwort is known as the "Mother of all herbs" 

Mugwort is commonly used on smudge sticks with it's cousin, sagebrush. It can dispel midges and other bitting insects that like to pest us each summer, even including moths. Use it with lavender in sachets to hang in your closet and put in each drawer of your dressers. Mugwort is alzo related to wormwood, but it's effects are much milder. Therefore , before hops were used to make ale/beer, mugwort was often used along with yarrow, lavender, lemonbalm, and sage to name a few. Here is a simple recipe for mugwort ale: 

3 pounds brown sugar

24 ounces molasses

4 gallons filter water 

2 ounces dried mugwort

Yeast

Boil sugar, molasses, water and mugwort for 30 minutes. Cool to 70° F, strain into your fermenter, and add yeast. Ferment until complete, about 7 days, siphon into bottles primed with 1/2 tsp sugar, and cap. Ready to drink in 10-14 days.

Mugwort was traditionally used for aiding digestion, feminine reproductive disorders,  and it's mild nervine used in mild cases of depression.  Mugwort oil contains an anesthetic chemical, supporting it's use on toothaches. The oil also fights infection causing bacteria, so bonus eh?! Just chew on some leaves then pocket them where your pain is.  You can steep 2tsp in in a cup of hoiling water for 10-15 minutes, I like to add a clove and cinnamon stick as well. Drinking this 3 timesaday can help aid in stress, anxiety, period and digestion issues, and gas. Making a pillow with it is said to aid in protection from bad dreams, promotes lucid dreams, and relieves a xiety and stress. Again, make this pillow with lavender to boost it's fragrance that will help you rest. And if you would like to make a smudge stick with it, add it to lavender and sage to cleanse your air, help you breathe easier, and sleep well. 

If you try any of these, please feel free to leave a comment. Granny's is going to go harvest some herbs now and make bundles for a few of the about recipes. 

 

As always my friends,  

Keep brewing, keep cooking, and most of all keep healing,

MysTorri 

Do your best, even when you don't want to.