This summer I wandered fields and hedgerows, learning to recognise Mugwort — or Bylica pospolita, as it's called in Polish.
Its silvery‑green leaves glimmered in the sunlight, and the scent immediately drew me in. Fresh leaves have a green, herb‑like aroma; once dried, the fragrance turns warm, slightly smoky, with soft woodsy and resin undertones — earthy, calming, a little mysterious. Crushing the leaves releases a faint spicy‑medicinal note that always brings me back to those summer walks.
Mugwort isn’t just a weed — it’s part of history, tradition, and heritage. In old Slavic homes, bundles of Mugwort were often hung above doors or windows for protection and good energy. Women used it in rituals, carried it as a charm, or brewed teas for healing. I love thinking that when I harvest and use it now, I’m holding a thread of that ancient knowledge in my hands. This summer and early autumn, I gathered and carefully dried Mugwort, and recently I crushed some to use in several ways: brewing it as a calming tea, wrapping it into smudging wands, tucking it into a handmade protective Motanka doll, and hanging a small bundle near my front door. Each use felt like a quiet act of connection — to nature, to my ancestors, and to myself.
Mugwort’s Traditional & Medicinal Uses
Digestive Support & Liver Health
Mugwort has been used traditionally as a digestive bitter: it may stimulate bile production and help digestion, relieve bloating or poor appetite.
Menstrual Comfort & Circulation
Because of its volatile oils (like cineole, camphor, and thujone) and other compounds, Mugwort has been used historically to support women’s health — helping to regulate menstrual cycles, relieve cramps, and ease menstrual discomfort.
Relaxation, Sleep & Dream Work
In herbal tradition, Mugwort is often called a “dream herb.” People drank it as tea or kept dried leaves under their pillow to encourage vivid dreams, deeper sleep, or more intuitive dream recall.
Smudging, Protection, Insect Repellent
Beyond tea and medicine — Mugwort’s scent made it useful as a smudging herb or gentle incense for clearing space, protection, and energy cleansing in many folk traditions. The essential oils are claimed to have antimicrobial or mild insect‑repelling properties — which may explain some of its traditional household uses.
⚠️ Who Should Be Cautious (or Avoid Mugwort)
Mugwort is powerful — and must be used with respect. It contains active compounds (like thujone and camphor) that can be strong if misused.
- Pregnancy or trying to conceive: avoid — it may stimulate uterine contractions.
- If you react to ragweed or other Asteraceae‑family plants, Mugwort may trigger allergic reactions, including respiratory or skin symptoms.
- Because Mugwort is bitter and stimulates bile and stomach acid, it might be too strong for people with reflux, ulcer or hyperacidity.
- Long‑term high doses or concentrated forms (like essential oils or tinctures) carry risk of toxicity.
And— as always with herbs — it’s wise to talk with a health professional before using regularly, especially if you have health conditions or take medications.
What Mugwort Taught Me?
Working with Mugwort, harvesting it, drying it, using it in tea, smudging, or a protective Motanka doll, has shown me how powerful and humble nature can be. It’s taught me patience, presence, and a connection to my roots.
Maybe there are herbs, rituals, or old practices waiting in your heritage too. Perhaps reconnecting with them or exploring new ones through nature could bring you a little more calm, grounding, or clarity.
Next time you walk through a field or hedgerow, maybe you’ll spot something familiar.
Maybe that plant holds a story...