WHAT DO WITCHES USE MUGWORT FOR?
MUGWORT: YOU’RE NEW MAGICKAL BEST FRIEND
WHAT DO WITCHES USE MUGWORT FOR ANYWAY?
If you could only have one herb in your witchy apothecary, it should probably be mugwort.
I know, I know. That's a bold statement. But hear me out.
Mugwort has been called "the witch's best friend" for centuries, and for damn good reason. It's one of the most versatile, powerful, and accessible herbs you can work with in your practice. Whether you're trying to enhance your psychic abilities, remember your dreams, protect yourself during spirit work, or connect with the moon's energy—mugwort has your back.
And the best part? It's easy to find, easy to grow, and doesn't cost a fortune.
Let's talk about why mugwort deserves a permanent spot in your witch cabinet and how you can actually use it without all the mystical BS that makes it sound more complicated than it needs to be.
WHAT IS MUGWORT?
Botanical name: Artemisia vulgaris
Mugwort is a perennial herb that grows wild in many parts of the world. It's part of the Artemisia family (named after the Greek goddess Artemis), and it's been used in folk medicine, witchcraft, and spiritual practices for thousands of years.
It has silvery-green leaves with a slightly fuzzy texture on the underside, and it smells... well, it smells like mugwort. Earthy, slightly bitter, a bit like sage but different. Some people love it, some people hate it. I happen to think it smells like magick.
You've probably walked past mugwort dozens of times without even realizing it. It grows along roadsides, in fields, in abandoned lots. My best witchy friend grows it in her front yard. It's a survivor plant. Resilient as hell. Very witchy energy.
tHE HISTORY & FOLKLORE OF MUGWORT
Mugwort has a long, rich history across multiple cultures and spiritual traditions.
In European Folklore: Mugwort was one of the nine sacred herbs in Anglo-Saxon tradition and was believed to have protective powers against evil spirits, illness, and bad luck. It was hung over doorways and burned to cleanse spaces.
Medieval travelers would put mugwort in their shoes to prevent fatigue on long journeys. (Hence one of its folk names: "traveler's herb.")
In Celtic and European Witchcraft: Mugwort was closely associated with the goddess Artemis (and her Roman counterpart Diana)—goddess of the moon, the hunt, and women in all stages of their lives. Because of this connection, mugwort became known as a "woman's herb" and was used in rituals honoring feminine power and the moon.
In Celtic traditons it was know as the “mother of all herbs”. It was also hung on doors to signal that a healer or midwife lived there, earning it the folk name "cronewort."
In Chinese Medicine: Mugwort (known as ai ye) has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly in moxibustion—a therapy where dried mugwort is burned near acupuncture points to promote healing and energy flow.
As a "Flying Herb": In European witchcraft traditions, mugwort was considered one of the "flying herbs"—herbs believed to aid in astral projection, lucid dreaming, and trance work. It was said to help witches "fly" to other realms.
Whether or not that's literal or metaphorical is up for debate, but what's not up for debate is that mugwort has powerful psychoactive properties that can enhance dreaming and alter consciousness when used properly.
MUGWORT & THE MOON:
You know I love the Moon!
Before we get into the practical uses, we need to talk about mugwort's deep connection to the moon. Because this isn't just folklore—it's fundamental to understanding how and why this herb works.
Why is mugwort so lunar?
First off, the plant itself is named after Artemis, the Greek goddess of the moon, the hunt, and women in all stages of life. The entire Artemisia family carries her name. That's not a coincidence. That's a lineage.
Artemis (and her Roman counterpart Diana) is intimately connected with the moon, feminine power, and the wild, untamed aspects of nature. Mugwort embodies all of these qualities.
The Moon Governs the Subconscious
The moon rules over the hidden, the subconscious, dreams, intuition, and psychic abilities. Mugwort does the exact same thing—it opens the door to your subconscious mind, enhances dreams, and amplifies intuition.
When you work with mugwort, you're working with lunar energy. You're tapping into the same forces that pull the tides, that govern the cycles of growth and release, that illuminate what's normally hidden in darkness.
The Menstrual Connection
Mugwort has been called "the woman's herb" for centuries, and a big reason for that is its connection to menstruation. It's an emmenagogue, meaning it can bring on your period and regulate menstrual cycles.
The menstrual cycle? Approximately 28 days. The lunar cycle? 29.5 days.
This isn't random. Women's bodies have been synced with the moon since the beginning of time. Mugwort bridges that connection—it works with the body's natural lunar rhythms.
In the past, midwives and healers would hang mugwort (or "cronewort" as it was called) on their doors to signal their presence. These were women who worked with the cycles of life, birth, and death—all governed by the moon.
Dreams Are Lunar Work
Dreams happen at night, under the moon's watch. The moon governs the realm of sleep, the subconscious, and the hidden messages that come through when our conscious mind finally shuts up.
Mugwort is THE dream herb. It doesn't just make you dream—it pulls back the veil between your waking consciousness and your subconscious mind. It helps you access the same realm the moon illuminates every night.
That's why mugwort works so well for prophetic dreams, lucid dreaming, and receiving messages in your sleep. You're literally working with lunar energy.
Charging Mugwort Under the Moon
I charge just about everything under the moon.
Charge your mugwort under the full moon.
Place your dried mugwort or your mugwort oil outside (or on a windowsill) under the full moon. Let it soak up that lunar energy for the night. The full moon amplifies the herb's already-potent connection to psychic work, dreams, and intuition.
You can also harvest mugwort during the full moon if you're growing it yourself. The plant is at its most potent when the moon is full.
Tides, Flow, and Cycles
The moon controls the tides—the ebb and flow of water. Mugwort works with flow too. It helps regulate menstrual flow. It aids in the flow of energy through the body. It helps you flow between the waking world and the dream world, between the conscious and subconscious.
Everything the moon touches is about cycles, rhythms, and movement. Mugwort embodies that.
Using Mugwort in Moon Rituals
Because of this deep lunar connection, mugwort is perfect for any moon-related magick:
Full moon rituals for manifestation and power
New moon rituals for new beginnings and setting intentions
Dark moon rituals for shadow work and banishing
Drawing down the moon
Moon water creation
Lunar devotional work to Artemis, Diana, Selene, or Hecate
If you're doing moon magick of any kind, mugwort should be on your altar.
Mugwort isn't just "associated" with the moon like some herbs are loosely associated with planets or elements. Mugwort IS lunar. It's woven into the fabric of moon magick, feminine power, cycles, dreams, and the subconscious.
When you work with mugwort, you're working with the moon. When you honor the moon, you're honoring what mugwort represents.
They're inseparable.
MUGWORT’S MAGIKAL PROPERTIES
Here's what mugwort is known for in witchcraft:
Psychic abilities - Opens the third eye, enhances intuition, clairvoyance, and all the "clairs"
Prophetic dreams - Induces vivid, memorable dreams and can aid in lucid dreaming
Protection - Especially during spirit work, astral travel, and divination
Divination - Enhances tarot readings, scrying, and other forms of divination
Moon magick - Strongly aligned with lunar energy
Spirit communication - Helps create a safe space for connecting with spirits and ancestors
Astral projection - Assists in out-of-body experiences and shamanic journeying
Cleansing and purification - Can be burned to clear spaces of negative energy
Elements: Earth
Planets: Moon, Venus
Zodiac: Taurus, Libra
Goddesses: Artemis, Diana
Energy: Masculine, Active (despite being a "woman's herb"—because it's action-oriented)
HOW TO USE MUGWORT IN YOUR WITCHCRAFT PRACTICE
Alright, enough history. Let's talk about what you actually DO with mugwort.
1. Dream Work and Lucid Dreaming
This is what mugwort is most famous for, and for good reason. It works.
How to use it:
Place dried mugwort under your pillow or inside your pillowcase
Make a small dream sachet with mugwort (and lavender if you want it to smell nicer)
Drink mugwort tea 30-60 minutes before bed
Burn mugwort as incense in your bedroom before sleep
Anoint your third eye with mugwort-infused oil before bed
What to expect: Your dreams will likely be more vivid, more memorable, and sometimes downright wild. You might have prophetic dreams. You might have weird dreams. You might remember multiple dreams when you usually don't remember any. (Boy, have I had some weird ones!)
Keep a dream journal by your bed and write down everything you remember as soon as you wake up.
A word of caution: Start small. Mugwort dreams can be intense. If you're prone to nightmares, mugwort might amplify them. Use protection (like black tourmaline under your pillow) alongside mugwort if this concerns you.
2. Enhancing Divination and Psychic Work
Mugwort opens up your psychic channels and makes it easier to receive messages from your intuition, spirit guides, or the universe.
How to use it:
Drink mugwort tea* before doing tarot readings, rune casting, or scrying
Burn mugwort incense while doing divination work
Anoint your third eye with mugwort oil before psychic work
Wash your divination tools (tarot cards, pendulum, runes, etc.) with mugwort tea
Place dried mugwort on your altar during divination sessions
Mugwort doesn't just enhance your abilities—it also offers protection while you're doing this work. Think of it as opening a door to the spirit world while also standing guard at that door.
3. Protection During Spirit Work
If you're doing any kind of spirit communication, ancestral work, or shadow work, mugwort is your friend.
It has this unique ability to open you up psychically while also protecting you. It's like having a spiritual bodyguard.
How to use it:
Burn mugwort before and during spirit work
Anoint candles with mugwort oil for protection during rituals
Add mugwort to protection sachets
Drink mugwort tea* before doing ancestral work or shadow work
Place mugwort around the perimeter of your ritual space
4. Moon Rituals and Lunar Magick
Mugwort is deeply connected to the moon and lunar energy. It's perfect for any moon-related work.
How to use it:
Add mugwort to full moon or new moon ritual baths
Burn mugwort during moon rituals
Make moon water infused with mugwort
Use mugwort in moon phase magick
Charge your mugwort oil or dried mugwort under the full moon
5. Cleansing and Smoke Cleansing
Mugwort can be burned to cleanse spaces, clear negative energy, and create sacred space.
How to use it:
Burn dried mugwort as loose incense on charcoal
Make mugwort smudge sticks (or buy them)
Mix mugwort with other herbs like rosemary or lavender for cleansing blends
The smoke is earthy and grounding. It's not as "soft" as sage or palo santo—it has a stronger, more assertive energy. Very effective for stubborn energies that won't budge.
MUGWORT TEA*: HOW TO MAKE IT AND USE IT
Mugwort tea* is one of the most popular ways to work with this herb. It's bitter (not gonna lie), but it's effective.
What mugwort tea* is used for:
Enhancing dreams and dream recall
Opening psychic channels before divination
Supporting the menstrual cycle (it's an emmenagogue—brings on your period)
Easing menstrual cramps
Aiding digestion
Calming anxiety and nervous tension
How to make mugwort tea*:
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon dried mugwort
8 oz hot water
Honey (optional, to cut the bitterness)
Instructions:
Boil water and let it cool slightly (don't use boiling water directly on the herbs)
Pour hot water over the dried mugwort
Steep for 5-10 minutes (the longer you steep, the stronger and more bitter it gets)
Strain out the herbs
Add honey if you can't handle the bitterness (no judgment)
Drink 30-60 minutes before bed for dream work, or before divination work
Important: Mugwort tea* is powerful. Don't drink it every day. Use it when you need it—before ritual work, during the full moon, when you're doing intentional dream work. It's not a casual daily tea.
MUGWORT OIL: MY FAVORITE WAY TO WORK WITH MUGWORT
Here's the thing about mugwort essential oil: it's incredibly hard to find, and when you do find it, it's often quite expensive.
But there's a better option: infused mugwort oil.
When you infuse dried mugwort into a carrier oil (like olive oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil), you extract the plant's properties into the oil and you are adding your own magick and energy to the oil. The result is a very potent, usable oil that you can apply to your skin, add to baths, use to anoint candles, or incorporate into ritual work.
Benefits of using mugwort-infused oil:
Easier to use than dried herb (no mess, no prep)
Can be applied directly to the third eye or pulse points
Perfect for anointing candles, tools, or yourself before ritual
Lasts longer than dried herb
More potent than store-bought essential oils (when made properly)
Safe for skin (unlike many essential oils)
How to use mugwort oil:
Anoint your third eye before divination, meditation, or dream work
Add a few drops to ritual baths for psychic opening
Dress candles for moon rituals or protection work
Apply to pulse points before spirit work
Use in ritual massage or foot rubs to induce prophetic dreams
Add to salves or balms for dream pillows
I make a Mugwort Infused Oil specifically for witchcraft and spiritual work—strong, pure, and ready to use. If you don't to make your own infusion, I’ve got you covered.
MUGWORT IN SKINCARE AND HEALING WORK
Mugwort isn't just for magick—it has legitimate therapeutic benefits too.
It's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and great for the skin. You'll often see it in Korean skincare products because it's so soothing and healing.
Therapeutic uses:
Soothes irritated, itchy skin
Helps with eczema, psoriasis, and rashes
Can ease poison ivy or poison oak reactions
Anti-inflammatory for sore muscles
Supports menstrual health (but don't use internally if pregnant)
You can add mugwort-infused oil to lotions, salves, or balms for skin issues. Or, make a strong mugwort tea and use it as a wash for irritated skin.
*IMPORTANT WARNINGS ABOUT MUGWORT
Mugwort is powerful, and with that power comes some important cautions:
*DO NOT use mugwort if:
You're pregnant or trying to get pregnant (it's a uterine stimulant)
You're breastfeeding
You're allergic to ragweed (mugwort is related and can cause reactions)
Use cautiously:
Don't take mugwort internally for long periods of time
Start with small amounts to see how you react
If you're on any medications, check with a healthcare provider (especially sedatives or blood thinners)
Mugwort is generally safe in small, occasional doses, but it's not something you should use every single day for months on end. Use it intentionally, use it with respect, and listen to your body.
NOW YOU KNOW!
Mugwort is one of the most versatile, powerful, and underrated herbs in witchcraft.
It enhances psychic abilities. It protects during spirit work. It gives you wild, vivid dreams. It connects you to lunar energy. It's been used by witches, healers, and spiritual practitioners for thousands of years.
You don't need fancy tools or expensive ingredients to work with mugwort. You just need the herb itself and the intention to use it.
Drink it as tea. Burn it as incense. Put it under your pillow. Anoint yourself with the oil. However you choose to work with it, mugwort will meet you where you are and amplify your magick.
Just remember: mugwort is the witch's best friend. Treat it with respect, use it intentionally, and it will open magickal doors for you.
Find your magick
~ Rachael
The information provided is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or physician before taking any herbs or supplements. Herbs may have side effects, cause individual sensitivities or allergies, or interact with medications, and it is important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider. Exercise caution if you are pregnant or nursing before taking any herbs or supplements.
Our website and information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Occult properties of herbs are provided for historical interest only. All magick and magickal items, recipes, and formulations are intended for curio only. No magickal effects are guaranteed.
