Top o’ the mornin’ to y’all. How is everyone’s lovely first full week of warm and sunny weather going? Technically, I am writing this prior to experiencing the rest of the week so the predicted weather and statement above may not be entirely accurate, but speaking it into existence, right?
Now that the days are getting warmer, the nights are also getting warmer. I know, I know, very profound, Abbie. But really! It is once again becoming easier to spend increasingly more time outside both in the day and later in the night, without getting frostbite or hypothermia or worried about one of the previous. With the additional ability to spend more time outside, no matter the time, mugwort has obviously been on my mind.
Have you ever drank a cup of mugwort tea under the sun with a breeze blowing in your hair? Have you ever ingested the smoke of mugwort while gazing at the moon? Have you ever heard of mugwort?
For those of you who are not mugwort fanatics (yet), it may sound as though I am speaking from a place where new-age flower children raised by bohemians on a farm in an off-the-grid location reside in. While I cannot confirm or deny if that perception of mugwort is true for the majority of ingesters, I can confidently say that mugwort is just like any other herb that has various uses and benefits.
To be more specific, mugwort is a perennial plant native to North America, so it is a common weed that can be found on the side of the highway or in your garden.
Throughout history and still today, mugwort has been used for an array of purposes, such as treating digestive disorders, relieving itching skin, promoting menstruation and calming nerves. It is often used as tea leaves, in natural medicinal purposes or smoked.
Whatever way one chooses to use mugwort, I should note that it is considered a mild psychoactive herb and may promote effects such as sedation and euphoria. It has also been said to induce hallucinogenic effects. This is one of the reasons why it is often used before bedtime, as it is also very well known as a way to induce sleep and make one’s dreams more vivid.
For those who are questioning the legality of this article, yes, mugwort is legal in the United States and can be found in herb stores just like your typical skullcap or basil. However, as with any herbal substance, it is important to know that herbs are not regulated by the FDA. But don’t worry, I’m not persuading you to drink tea or smoke leaves that will make you trip out.
For those of you who are wondering, yes I do often use mugwort in one of its forms, and no, I never have hallucinated or experienced strong psychoactive effects from it. However, while it may just be placebo, I do feel as though I am able to remember my dreams more clearly after drinking a cup of mugwort tea before bed, but overall, I would say that the effects of mugwort are light and airy, kind of as the plant itself.
The leaves have a bitter yet floral taste and aroma and the prospect of having wild and vivid dreams that you may remember is always fun. All that being said, this is a testament to not be scared of the herb if you have been curious about it!
I know you are all very intelligent beings, and I am sure I’m just repeating your thoughts and actions, but please look up all of the possible side effects, symptoms or related allergies that mugwort could induce if you are planning on trying it. I do not want anyone to have a negative reaction to the herb or have mugwort cause any health concerns, so please be careful chaps!