Mugwort

Fun Facts

• The essential oil is responsible for the plant’s distinctive smell.

• All Artemisa varieties contain santonin which was formerly used as an anti-worming agent. However, as santonin is toxic to humans, too, and causes hallucinations at higher doses, it is no longer being used.

• Mugwort is used as a flavouring with heavy, fatty meat dishes. Its active substances are beneficial to human digestion.

• It flowers from July to September.

• Pollination is done with the wind.

• Endangerment level Germany: not endangered

• Mugwort is a typical synanthropic plant, i.e. following human habitation, and was probably spread to many parts of the world through Neolithic agriculture. It has been known in central Europe since the Neolithic Age.

• The name of the genus (“Artemisia”) refers to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt and childbirth.

• An oil obtained from mugwort is used in the perfume industry or in aroma therapy.