Mugwort

from http://plants.montara.com/ListPages/FamPages/Astera2.html#artdou

Artemesia douglasiana: Mugwort Asteraceae (Sunflower Family) Flowers: Whiteish-Green to Whiteish Yellow, tiny; in tight clusters along stems. Blooms: July - August. Leaves: Dark Green above, grey-green below. Sometime with a light powdery silk on upper leaves. Very strong sage smell, bitter tasting; lower leaves shaped like goosefeet. Fruit/Seeds: ?? Location: All trails at lower elevations. Status: Native - Common.	Artemesia douglasiana 640x480 JPEG - 52K A top down view of Mugwort, the most common way to view it from the trails.
Further description & Comment: 1 - 5' tall; stout and erect. Usually found growing in large patches of up to 100 plants, all interconnected by an underground root system. Favors wetter areas near seeps and creeks. Below left, a Mugwort patch that grows alongside Gray Whale Cove trail. Below right, the flowers and seeds.
	600x450 JPEG - 60K
Mugwort is often found growing next to Stinging Nettle. Some have made the claim the application of fresh Mugwort leaves can be a cure for the effects of Stinging Nettle or Poison Oak. I don't get Posion Oak, so I can't try any tests, but I have checked it out with Stinging Nettle - the effect, on me anyway, is minimal. Mugwort is an effective herbal remedy for chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers. A carefully prepared salve or tea of Mugwort is antifungal, antimicrobial, and a topical anesthetic with a variety of first aid uses. These last applications undoubtedly gave rise to the Posion Oak theory.

The Montara Mountain Native Plant pages are designed and maintained by Chuck Kozak - 1st Edition 5/13/98 - Latest Update 10/11/99. All images copyright 1998 - 1999 by Chuck Kozak unless indicated otherwise. No rights here asserted. Used for scholarly purposes.

from: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/mugwor61.html

Common Wormwood (Artemisia vulgaris LINN.)

Mugwort

Botanical: Artemisia vulgaris (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Compositae

• Parts Used Medicinally
• Constituents
• Medicinal Action and Uses
• Preparations

---Synonyms---Felon Herb. St. John's Plant. Cingulum Sancti Johannis.
---Parts Used---Leaves, root.

Mugwort abounds on hedgebanks and waysides in most parts of England. It is a tall-growing plant, the stems, which are angular and often of a purplish hue, frequently rising 3 feet or more in height. The leaves are smooth and of a dark green tint on the upper surface, but covered with a dense cottony down beneath; they are once or twice pinnately lobed, the segments being lanceshaped and pointed. The flowers are in small oval heads with cottony involucres and are arranged in long, terminal panicles; they are either reddish or pale yellow. The Mugwort is closely allied to the Cornmon Wormwood, but may be readily distinguished by the leaves being white on the under-surfaces only and by the leaf segments being pointed, not blunt. It lacks the essential oil of the Wormwood.

The Mugwort is said to have derived its name from having been used to flavour drinks. It was, in common with other herbs, such as Ground Ivy, used to a great extent for flavouring beer before the introduction of hops. For this purpose, the plant was gathered when in flower and dried, the fresh herb being considered unsuitable for this object: malt liquor was then boiled with it so as to form a strong decoction, and the liquid thus prepared was added to the beer. Until recent years, it was still used in some parts of the country to flavour the table beer brewed by cottagers.

It has also been suggested that the name, Mugwort, may be derived not from 'mug,' the drinking vessel, but from moughte (a moth or maggot), because from the days of Dioscorides, the plant has been regarded, in common with Wormwood, as useful in keeping off the attacks of moths.

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.

Dr. John Hill extols its virtues, and says:

'Providence has placed it everywhere about our doors; so that reason and authority, as well as the notice of our senses, point it out for use: but chemistry has banished natural medicines.'

Dioscorides praises this herb, and orders the flowering tops to be used just before they bloom.

The dried leaves were, sixty or seventy years ago, in use by the working classes in Cornwall as one of the substitutes for tea, at a time when tea cost 7s. per lb., and on the Continent Mugwort is occasionally employed as an aromatic culinary herb, being one of the green herbs with which geese are often stuffed during roasting.

The downy leaves have been used in the preparation of Moxas, which the Japanese use to cure rheumatism. The down is separated by heating the leaves and afterwards rubbing them between the hands until the cottony fibres alone remain, these are then made up into small cones or cylinders for use. Artemisia Moxa and A. sinensis are mainly used in Japan. This cottony substance has also been used as a substitute for tinder.

Sheep are said to enjoy the herbage of the Mugwort, and also the roots. The plant may, perhaps, be the Artemesia of Pontos, which was celebrated among the ancients for fattening these animals. It is said to be good for poultry and turkeys.

A variegated variety of Mugwort also occurs.

[Top]

---Parts Used Medicinally---The leaves, collected in August and dried in the same manner as Wormwood, and the root, dug in autumn and dried. The roots are cleansed in cold water and then freed from rootlets. Drying may be done at first in the open air, spread thinly, as contact may turn the roots mouldy. Or they may be spread on clean floors, or on shelves, in a warm room for about ten days, and turned frequently. When somewhat shrunken, they must be finished more quickly by artificial heat in a drying room or shed, near a stove or gas fire, care being taken that the heated air can escape at the top of the room. Drying in an even temperature will probably take about a fortnight, or more. It is not complete until the roots are dry to the core and brittle, snapping when bent.

Mugwort root is generally about 8 inches long, woody, beset with numerous thin and tough rootlets, 2 to 4 inches long, and about 1/12 inch thick. It is light brown externally; internally whitish, with an angular wood and thick bark, showing five or six resin cells. The taste is sweetish and acrid.

---Constituents---A volatile oil, an acrid resin and tannin.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---It has stimulant and slightly tonic properties, and is of value as a nervine and emmenagogue, having also diuretic and diaphoretic action.

Its chief employment is as an emmenagogue, often in combination with Pennyroyal and Southernwood. It is also useful as a diaphoretic in the commencement of cold.

It is given in infusion, which should be prepared in a covered vessel, 1 OZ. of the herb to 1 pint of boiling water, and given in 1/2 teaspoonful doses, while warm. The infusion may be taken cold as a tonic, in similar doses, three times daily: it has a bitterish and aromatic taste.

As a nervine, Mugwort is valued in palsy, fits, epileptic and similar affections, being an old-fashioned popular remedy for epilepsy (especially in persons of a feeble constitution). Gerard says: 'Mugwort cureth the shakings of the joynts inclining to the Palsie;' and Parkinson considered it good against hysteria. A drachm of the powdered leaves, given four times a day, is stated by Withering to have cured a patient who had been affected with hysterical fits for many years, when all other remedies had failed.

The juice and an infusion of the herb were given for intermittent fevers and agues. The leaves used to be steeped in baths, to communicate an invigorating property to the water.

[Top]

---Preparations---Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm.

Culpepper directs that the tops of the plant are to be used fresh gathered, and says:

'a very slight infusion is excellent for all disorders of the stomach, prevents sickness after meals and creates an appetite, but if made too strong, it disgusts the taste. The tops with the flowers on them, dried and powdered, are good against agues, and have the same virtues with wormseed in killing worms. The juice of the large leaves which grows from the root before the stalk appears is the best against the dropsy and jaundice, in water, ale, wine, or the juice only. The infusion drank morning and evening for some time helps hysterics, obstruction of the spleen and weakness of the stomach. Its oil, taken on sugar and drank after, kills worms, resists poison, and is good for the liver and jaundice. eyes like the leaves, hence the root should be accounted among the best stomachics. The oil of the seed cures quotidians and quartans. Boiled in lard and laid to swellings of the tonsils and quinsy is serviceable. It is admirable against surfeits.... Wormwood and vinegar are an antidote to the mischief of mushrooms and henbane and the biting of the seafish called Draco marinus, or quaviver; mixed with honey, it takes away blackness after falls, bruises, etc., . . With Pellitory of the Wall used as poultice to ease all outward pains. Placed among woolen cloths it prevents and destroys the moths.'

Another old writer affirmed that Mugwort was good 'for quaking of the sinews.'

See:
WORMWOOD
SOUTHERNWOOD
SOUTHERNWOOD, FIELD

© Copyright Protected 1995-2004 botanical.com - used for scholarly purposes here - no right asserted

http://healthyherbs.about.com/od/monographs/p/mugwort.htm

©2004 About, Inc. All rights reserved. A PRIMEDIA Company. Used here for scholarly purposes. No rights asserted.

Mugwort - Artemisia vulgaris

Description: A traditional herb commonly used for menstrual problems and menopause transition. It was once used to flavor beer and was considered one of the nine sacred herbs to Anglo-Saxon tribes. Mugwort is one of the seven sacred Anglo-Saxon tribe herbs used for moxabustion.

Uses: 
Weak digestion, menstrual compaints (irregularities), gastrointestinal (diarrhea, constipation, colic, bile stimulation), circulatory stimulant, sedative.

Uses also include aiding the transition into menopause and aid in reversing breech births through the use of moxabustion and acupuncture.

More: According the Richard Allen Miller of Richters Herbs, mugwort is also used as a local allergen. Its ability to facilitate REM sleep warrants it's use in "dream pillows".

In indigenous Japan and Nepal, mugwort is considered very spiritual and sacred herb. It is commonly used for psychosis and cleansing the spirit as well as other treatments.

Warnings: 
Do not use when pregnant or lactating (internally or topical resin use). May cause changes in lactation. Handling the fresh plant may cause contact dermatitis. Large doses may be toxic due to thujone. Large doses may cause nausea, damage to the liver and convulsions. Common table salt increases it's purgative abilities.

Research And References: Research

Breech Birth Study - Moxibustion for correction of breech presentation: a randomized controlled trial.
Moxibustion / Breech Births - Moxibustion in breech version--a descriptive review.
Phytochemical analysis - Phytochemical analysis and hemodynamic actions of Artemisia vulgaris L.
 

References

Integrative Medical Arts Group Inc.; Itegrative Body/Mind Information Systems; 1992 - 1999.
Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine; Mugwort; 2001
Multiple uses of Artemisia species in Japan and Nepal - Spiritual and other uses.

Moxabustion / Moxibustion - Definition”

Definition: A traditional Chinese herbal therapy of burning moxa sticks or cones containing mugwort over inflammed and affected acupuncture points of the body. It stimulates the blood and energy of the affected areas and removed prior to the skin burning. Knowledge of acupruncture points is recommended.

Indications: Specifically for cold and stagnant conditions.

Contraindications: Heat conditions, fever, high blood pressure, inflammatory skin conditions, weakness.

Actions:
Balances central nervous system
Improves Qi and blood flow
Promotes red blood cell production
Helps fight infection
Assists the bodies metabolic functions
Enhances immune system functions

Research

Moxabustion has shown positive results in conjuction with liposome encapsulated immunomodulators for the reduction of cancerous tumors. Moxabustion has shown to stimulate fetal movement and possibly be a factor in reversing breech births.

References
Moxibustion - About moxisticks from HolisticMasters.com.

http://home.arcor.de/dirk.albrodt/tos/mugwort.htm

mugwort is artemis' flower

artemis helped her mother leto
giving birth to her brother apollo
only few minutes after her own birth,
that is why she became the goddess of the midwives

but most important:
the twins are goddess of the moon and god of the sun

artemis developed her instincts and her intuition
she was an autonomous, self-assured and independant individual

in the darkness when it is not possible to see
one can still follow one's intuition

mugwort enables to scent
the sense of smell helps to orientate
in the first moments of life -
babies recognize there mothers by their smell

artemis scents what is true and what is to come

why not be a little like a goddess?

© dirk albrodt 2002,
schaapsbrug 6
nl-6089 nb heibloem
albrodt@floweressences.de

http://altnature.com/thegarden/Mugwort.html

For educational information only. No parts of this document are to be taken as diagnosis or prescription for any illness. See your healthcare practitioner for any personal health concerns.

Sponsored by Alternative Nature’s Online Herbal

Mugwort By Stephanie (Tephyr) Burgess Ó 2003 The Garden

tephyr@taconic.net

Botanical name: Artemisia vulgaris

Common names: Mugwort, Moxa, Traveler’s Herb, Artemis Herb, Felon Herb, Muggons, Old Man, Sailor’s Tobacco. Cingulum Sancti Johannis aka St. John’s plant (NOT St. Johnswort).

Habitat and growing conditions: Grows almost everywhere around the world. If you look as you travel Mugwort is everywhere around us here in the Northeast, USA. She grows in all the waste places through out our cities and particularly along all the roadways. I don’t believe this is an accident. For two reasons: The first being Mugwort protects the traveler and so she hugs our road ways, watching out for us. The second: In these times of rushing around and living totally in the physical experience, Human Kind has never needed the gifts of Mugwort more. We need her gifts of Dreaming to bring us into the Spirit Realm and teach us to live in balance in both the Spirit and the Physical.

Conversely she will bring those lost in the Spirit world back into the Physical. This  also means that Mugwort will help those of us who are considered "spacey" to become more "grounded" as well. 

Can be intrusive in a garden. Grows up to 8 feet in The Garden. Look for it that tall as well as low as 18" in city lots and road sides.

Harvesting:

• For medicinal, metaphysical and culinary purposes cut stems with leaves early in the day; after the sun has burned the dew off but before the heat of the day. Always feel free to attune to the individual plant as to when it is the optimal time for harvest; keeping in mind if the plant is damp it can easily get moldy when drying.
• For ornamental: any time needed.

• Please read my article Conscious Harvesting.

Drying:

Can be dried for either medicinal, metaphysical, culinary or ornamental purposes.

• Take bundles of stems with leaves and remove the lower leaves for about 3 – 4".
• Do not wash in water; if they are wet they are likely to get moldy.
• Check over the plants for obvious dirt and insects. and remove those leaves.
• Take several bundles (not too many or there will not be enough air circulation), tie with string or a rubber band and hang upside down in a cool room out of direct light. Normal room temperature is fine; just no hot dry rooms or damp rooms. It will take several days to a week or so to dry completely. You may leave them there longer, as they are very attractive but not so long that they become dirty with dust or become too dry.

• Take the bundles down, when dry, and pull off the leaves and place in a large bowl. "Scrunch" the leaves up to crumble them some and then place in air tight glass jars.
• Store in a room or cupboard out of direct light in a dry room.

• You can take the leafless stems and bundle them up and tie them with strings and use them as kindling for wood stoves; I like to use them for building Sacred Fires. (Just be sure you want her attributes included in your Ritual)

• You can also roll leaves and stems into Smudge sticks (see my article on making your own Smudge sticks).

• Can also be tinctured. Contact me for purchasing e-book on Making Your Own Tincture. tephyr@taconic.net

• Try gathering the dew in the early morning and store it in jars with 1/3 to ½ 80 to 100 proof alcohol or drink immediately. The effects would be similar to the Flower Essence. Water can also be used in the making of Magickal elixirs.

Parts used:

Medicinal: leaves. Ornamental: leaves and flowers. Metaphysical: leaves and flowers. (if you are consuming use the leaves only). Culinary: leaves.

Properties: Chologogue, vermifuge, emmenagogue, hemostatic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, mild narcotic, bitter narcotic. Woman’s Moon and a Dream Herb.

Body Systems affected: Spleen, kidney, liver.

Dosage:

Metaphysical: Tea or tincture twice daily to enhance your psychic abilities. (see below for amounts)

Medicinal: One teaspoon per cup for infusion. 5 – 20 drops tincture.

Mugwort can also be smoked for either medicinal or metaphysical purposes.

Chemical Constituents: Thujone, cineole. A volatile oil. Acrid resin and tannin.

Flower Essence: Artemisia douglasiana, a close relative of Artemisia vulgaris is used. Used for clarity in dream work. Helps us to interpret our dreams and merge the knowledge and insights gained in dreams and any spiritual/magickal work into our every day lives. Helps to regulate menstrual cycles in time with the Moon. Add to massage oil and worked into the womb area to ease childbirth and menstrual problems.

Homeopathic: Artemisia vulgaris. Epilepsy, petit mal, hysteria, over excitement and fright, sleepwalking, some types of dizziness. Irregular, painful or scanty menses. Prolapsed uterus. To prevent miscarriage with severe cramping.

Metaphysical Uses:

This is one of my favorite metaphysical herbs. I grow a hedge of it in The Garden between the main garden and the rose arbors.

Mugwort is most famous for it’s use as a "Dream" herb. It is known to enhance dreaming, both in sleep and in Shamanic Journeying and other trance work. It is said to enhance whatever level of dreaming one is developed in. For example, if one can not remember one’s dreams, Mugwort will enhance and help the individual to develop this. If one is at the next level of dreaming, cognitive dreaming: (being aware one is dreaming and being able to "manipulate" the dream at will) Mugwort will enhance this.

The final level is precognitive dreaming; dreaming of future events.

No matter what level one is dreaming Mugwort will help you to develop your abilities. But beware, for until you become proficient your dreams may, at first, be difficult to deal with. Don’t be discouraged; practice makes perfect. If you desire you might study under an experienced Dreamer or Shaman. Keeping a journal would be advantageous.

I have heard people say that their dreams become "techni-colored" after taking Mugwort.

Mugwort is also used as a Warding herb (to repel/banish) negative energies, entities/spirits, wild beasts, weariness.

Mugwort in your shoes will help keep your strength up in long walks and generally protect you during a journey (hence the name Traveler’s herb).

Used for smudging and incense in the same manner as the other Artemisia and Salvias. Burn near your bed before sleep for protection and dream enhancement. A good herb for clearing negativity from the home.

It is my feeling that when used as a smudge during house clearing it leaves a bit of "Magickal" energy behind. I believe it will bring Magick closer into your lifestyle when used this way. I believe every act we perform is on some level, a Magickal one and so Mugwort enhances this. Whether you’re doing actual Ritual Magick or Mundane Magick (cooking, washing dishes, etc.), burning Mugwort nearby or before starting will heighten your work.

• Other uses: Stuff pillows with the herb for Dream Pillows.

• Store dry herb with your scrying tools as well as any tools you use for Dreaming/Journey work, such as drums, beater sticks and rattles. Oil made from fresh can be used to anoint these objects also. An infusion (strong tea) can be used to wash them.

• Make swags or wreaths from dry or fresh branches to place over your doors for protection against negative energies. Many believe it will also ward off negative entities.

• Toss into a burning fireplace or wood stove and it will protect you from lightening; though if you simply burned it in the fire place or stove by itself I would think you would get the same effect.

Misc.;

• Sacred to Dianna and Artemis.

• Wear a crown on Midsummer. Throw into fire when done to protect one’s self from sickness and danger for the coming year.

• Protective of Children.

Though Cunningham refers to her as an Earth energy plant she is known as a Moon plant also in regards to her sacredness to Artemis (Dianna) who is a Moon Goddess. Also from her assistance in woman’s Menstrual/Moon cycles. Gladstar recommends it as a Dream Herb during a woman’s Moon Time. Mugwort is also ruled by Venus

Medicinal Uses: An excellent nervine. Used for insomnia and nervousness.

Kills parasitic worms internally.

Mugwort is considered feminine in nature and has been linked through out history has been used as remedy for women’s health. It is an emmenagogue; promotes suppressed menses. Drink before and after the full moon and wear red (Gladstar). Useful for young women just starting menses.

Believed to increase fertility.

Used for moxabustion in Chinese Medicine.

Used in treatment of liver disorders and as a digestive aid (digestive bitter). Drink infusion before and/or after eating to promote digestion.

Promotes sweating. Which can be a benefit when intentionally sweating out an illness; a very old healing technique when one first feels the effects of an illness.

Strong infusion can be used in a bath for an invigorating bath or one before Ritual or Dreaming.

Culinary: One of the first herbs to be used to brew beers. Dried leaves only. Apparently fresh leaves  make a horrible tasting beer.

Cautions: Do not use if pregnant.

Though no miscarriage have ever been reported due to it’s use and in TCM and Homeopathy it is used to prevent miscarriage. Though it is a good rule of thumb to avoid all herbs that are emmenagogue in general when pregnant.

Bibliography:

The Way of Herbs Michael Tierra

A Wiccan Herbal Marie Rodway

Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs Scott Cunningham

The Master Book of Herbalism Rev. Paul Beyerl

A Druid’s Herbal Ellen Evert Hopman

Herbal Healing for Woman Rosemary Gladstar

A Modern Herbal Mrs. M. Grieve F.R.H.S

Flower Power Anne McIntyre

For educational information only. No parts of this document are to be taken as diagnosis or prescription for any illness. See your healthcare practitioner for any personal health concerns.

http://home.teleport.com/~howieb/treats/mugwort.html

Compositae Herbaceous Artemisia sp.

Mugwort

definitely ethnocentric notes:

Common Names: Mugwort, Sagewort, Wormwood

Identification: A composite with a light colored fuzzy pubescence that sticks out among other plants. If you compare small plants, you might confuse a fuzzy Antennaria or Oregon Sunshine, Eriophyllum, for the Artemisia, but the Artemisia will grow much taller. If you're in an area where one species of Mugwort grows, it's easy to identify Mugworts. If you're in an area like the Northwest, there are many species of Mugwort that are difficult at best to correctly identify. The leaf shapes are highly variable, and in any given stand you can find a stem that will key out to a completely wrong Artemisia. If you do try to key these plants out, look at the whole stand of plants when they are in full bloom and take the average characteristics. Do not use new growth or fall vegetative growth, as these will be atypical. You will need to use certain ecological characteristics, like growing below the high water mark. Many times a chromosome count is the only way to be sure of the exact species.

Habitat: Most Mugworts grow in riparian areas throughout the Northwest, at varied elevations. They are usually a sign of water. I have seen Mugworts in dry waterless hills in Southern California, and followed them up to a secret spring full of archeological treasures.

Associated Plants: On rivers, the usual riparian species.

Tending the Stand: If you harvest perennial Mugworts with rhizomes, no tending should be necessary.

Harvesting: Harvest aboveground parts. The oil content drops drastically when flowering, but it will still smell strongly, so use your own judgment. Harvest aboveground parts. If you are using the herb for aroma only, notice the brown, dried up leaves on the lower stem still smells fine, and can be used. If you are planning to use the Mugwort internally, you may wish to discard these.

Processing: For dreams or smudging, just bundle and hang near your usual dreaming location. The dried leaves can be hand rubbed to a nice "owl pellet" consistency for dream pillows. Tincture fresh, or dry for oil and tea.

Uses: Mugwort is used to promote lucid dreaming. It may cause nightmares or restless dreams. Some say it causes a specific type of dream, but I believe it depends on the stage of dreaming the dreamer is capable of at the time. It may require completely inundating yourself with its essence for a prolonged period. If you do use it as a smudge, remember that its smoke smells more like Marijuana than most other plants. It is inadvisable to smudge your car with it.

Mugwort smells good and has a volatile oil, making it a useful aromatic bitter for general stomach upset, flatulence, indigestion, etc.

Mugwort, the mug plant, was used for brewing beer before the use of hops. We tried a good dark stout Mugwort beer on some of our trips.

It is possible to use Mugwort for worms, but I feel it would be better to stick with the true Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium, or other effective antiparasitics.

Wormwood has been used as an emmenagogue. It is used in as a warming tonic to increase uterine circulation, with a clearing effect on many clogged uterine conditions. This makes it more than a simple emmenagogue. This plant should not be used during pregnancy.

Related Plants: Artemisia tridentata and other shrubby Artemisias are the ubiquitous Sagebrushes of the desert regions. Artemisia absinthium is Wormwood, used for worms and the illegal narcotic alcoholic beverage, Absinthe. Artemisia dranunculus is Dragon Sagewort, commonly known as the spice Tarragon. It has a a green leaf with no shine or pubescence. There is a threatened Artemisia that grows on the Deschutes River (that's in Oregon).

From the Herbal Smoking Mixtures book

Mugwort is a very interesting plant deep in historical references. It is often said to promote prophetic dreams. I don't find this to be true all the time. It seems to me that Mugwort intensifies the dreaming process. It all depends on where you are in this process.

If you don't dream, Mugwort will help you to dream, but you may not remember them. If you don't remember your dreams Mugwort will help you to remember them. If you remember your dreams, Mugwort will help you to have conscious dreams. Conscious dreams are dreams where you are aware that you are dreaming and in full control of the situation. If you are consciously dreaming already, the plant will increase the frequency and control.

None of this implies that the dreams will be pleasant. Some people don't remember their dreams for a reason. Mugwort can cause nightmares and restless dreams leading to lack of sleep or poor quality of sleep. I know of an essential oil company that puts a warning on their Artemisia oil: Caution, may cause nightmares.

Certainly, Mugwort can lead to prophetic dreams if that is what you are into. I do not prefer that course of dream work. It is all up to you. One of my long term students feels that Mugwort is the most reality altering of all the psychotropics he's tried.