Common mugwort, Felon herb, Sailor's tobacco

Excessive doses can lead to symptoms of poisoning, but nothing is to be feared from normal use.

Albania

Mugwort is s perennial plant that can be found in waste places, ditches, bushy areas, and along roadsides and fences in Europe, Asia and North and South America. The downy, grooved stems grow from 1 to 5 feet tall and bear alternate, pinnate leaves that are green on top and downy beneath. The leaflets are linear to spatulate and coarsely toothed. In addition, there is a basal rosette of pinnate leaves that survive the winter. Small, greenish-yellow to red-brown flower heads grow in panicled spikes from July to October.

Mugwort promotes the appetite and proper digestion by its beneficial effect on bile production, and it acts as a mild purgative. A decoction is sometimes used to regulate menstruation. It has also been used as a bath additive for gout, rheumatism, and tired legs. The fresh juice is helpful in relieving the itching of poison oak irritation.

Infusion: Steep 1 tbsp dried herb in ½ cup of water. Take during the day, a mouthful at a time.