The magical and common plant found across the world has been used for centuries. It looks quite a lot like Cannabis when dried, and can legally be bought online and in health food shops in the UK.
Known as ‘Yomogi’ in Japan, and said to be used extensively in Japanese cuisine, the herb has been used for ritual and spiritual purposes.
In traditional Chinese medicine, mugwort is used to stimulate life energy through the body. In Europe, mugwort was used in traditional witchcraft and is still used today in some pagan rituals.
The cultural significance of mugwort is also deeply ingrained. It is a plant that has been associated with the goddess Artemis, who is associated with the wild, untamed aspects of nature. Mugwort is also associated with the cycle of the moon, and it is said to be particularly powerful during the full moon.
So, can you use mugwort to get high?
Will either drinking it or putting into a paper and rolling a herby joint make you feel chilled and high like cannabis would?
A famous Vice article in 2017 described the writer’s journey into getting a stoned feeling similar to smoking weed, and then experiencing intense psychedelic dreams.
I personally found that smoking mugwort in a pipe gave a ‘stoned light’ feeling, and pretty pleasant. In a pipe, the smoke was smooth and enjoyable.
I also had some quite intense dreams afterward, but I had smoked it with some Blue Lotus flower, so this could have also caused the dreams.
Many people have tried mugwort, reporting some subtle sedating impact on the body. There is also a long held belief that mugwort supports more intense or lucid dreaming.
Ultimately, it’s legal, available, and cheap. It has health benefits (and risks), and can give you a nice sedating high.
Spiritual and magical uses of Mugwort
There is a true beauty to mugwort. Perhaps not in its medicinal properties, but in its ability to inspire wonder and curiosity. It is a herb that invites us to delve deeper, to explore its secrets and discover its hidden treasures.
In a world where everything is becoming increasingly mundane and predictable, mugwort reminds us of the magic and mystery that still exists in the natural world. It is a reminder that there is still much to be discovered and explored, and that the world is full of surprises.
How to use mugwort
If you’re looking to try and get high, the main method is smoking it in a pipe or in a joint. You can also make a tea from it, by steeping a couple of teaspoons in some hot water for 5 minutes. Delicious, but you might also want to mix it with Lemon Balm or Mint.
Risks of using mugwort to get high
Herbs and supplements can always interact with medications and other supplements, and some may not be appropriate for certain health conditions. Given that it helps with menstrual cramps and can induce labour, it should not be taken when pregnant or breast feeding.
There are other risks too, as identified in The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines, Fetrow & Avila, Pocket Books, 2000 . Too much mugwort can cause;
- skin rashes
- trigger allergic reactions (particularly if you’re allergic to hazelnuts)
- irritate acid reflux and stomach ulcers
- have bad interactions with blood-thinning medication
- cause uterine contractions and possibly miscarriage
Remember to always be cautious when using any herbal supplement and always consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal supplement.
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