In early November I completed the first year of my herbal apprenticeship. I can't believe a year has gone by already! I remember having the germ of the idea while standing in my room at Newbold House in August of 2008 (in Scotland). So much has happened since then.
Mugwort and Me
As part of the apprenticeship, we all chose plant allies to work with. Mine was Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris). Mugwort has been very magical for me. The first medicine I ever made was mugwort oil. Since then I have meditated with her and made many other medicines such as tincture and salves.
Some Fun Facts about Mugwort
*According to Botanical.com “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.”
*Aids with Dream recall
*Helps relieve inflammation, such as arthritis pain
*It's a wonderful ally to women for cramps
*IT WAS USED TO FLAVOR BEER!
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For my final project, I created a recipe!
The following was inspired by a "woman's" tea recipe that I found:
2 green apples
1.5 lbs chicken breast (no antibiotics, etc)
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped walnuts
Powdered Mugwort
1 lemon
Walnut Oil
Sea Salt
Ginger
Brown the chicken breast in walnut oil, Celtic sea salt and powdered mugwort. I had harvested and dried my own, but you can buy powdered mugwort in Japanese markets.
While the chicken is cooling, chop the apple and tossed the pieces with some lemon juice (about 1/4 cup).
Mix the apple with the chopped dates
Pan toast the walnuts with a touch of honey and salt
Mix it all together with a little more salt, a little fresh grated ginger, and a dash of dried ginger. Dress it with a little more honey and walnut oil.
Mugwort is very useful in helping with digestion...which is why I decided pairing it with ginger would be lovely (since ginger also helps with the tummy).
This plant has become my fellow traveler. I took her with me to Scotland in tincture and salve form as well as in a little luck charm. I'm so excited to keep learning and growing with her!
XO
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