The plant known as mugwort, scientifically named Artemisia vulgaris, has accumulated a fascinating array of aliases over centuries of human interaction. Its multiple identities reflect its global presence and historical significance in European, Asian, and North American cultures. Understanding these alternative names provides insight into its traditional uses, characteristics, and the folklore that has surrounded it for generations.
The Common European and American Names
In Europe and North America, Artemisia vulgaris is recognized by several common names, each with a unique origin. Many of these names are rooted in folk medicine and ancient traditions.
- Common Wormwood: The term "wormwood" comes from its historical use as a vermifuge, a remedy for expelling intestinal worms. While it is a different species from the true wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), the name is often applied to mugwort due to similar applications.
- Felon Herb: This name points to a traditional medicinal use of the plant for treating "felons," which were painful, pus-producing infections on fingers or toes. The topical application of mugwort was believed to help with such ailments.
- St. John's Plant: This name is linked to a European tradition where mugwort was collected on St. John's Eve (June 24th). It was believed to offer protection against evil spirits, misfortune, and disease if worn or hung in the home.
- Old Uncle Henry and Naughty Man: These whimsical names are also part of European folklore, though their exact origins are less clear. They add to the plant's enigmatic reputation.
- Sailor's Tobacco: Before the widespread use of commercial tobacco, some sailors would smoke mugwort leaves as a substitute. This practice gave rise to the name and is an interesting footnote in the plant's history.
- Chrysanthemum Weed: The aggressive, spreading growth habit and leaf shape of mugwort sometimes resemble chrysanthemum, leading to this descriptive, though less flattering, moniker.
East Asian Mugwort Varieties
In Asian traditions, especially in China, Korea, and Japan, other species of the Artemisia genus are referred to as mugwort and hold significant cultural importance. They are distinct from the European Artemisia vulgaris but share a common name.
- Chinese Mugwort (Artemisia argyi): Known as ài cǎo (艾草) or ài yè (艾葉), Chinese mugwort is famously used in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly in the practice of moxibustion. In moxibustion, dried mugwort is burned near acupuncture points to stimulate energy flow.
- Japanese Mugwort (Artemisia princeps): In Japan, this mugwort is called yomogi (ヨモギ) and is a beloved culinary herb used in traditional sweets like kusa mochi and yomogi mochi. The distinctive flavor and color it imparts are highly prized.
- Korean Mugwort (Artemisia princeps): In Korea, the same species is known as ssuk (쑥) and is a staple ingredient in various dishes, including soups like ssukguk and steamed rice cakes.
A Comparative Look at Mugwort Species
To better understand the differences between these plants, a comparison table highlights their characteristics and primary uses. While all are part of the Artemisia genus and known as mugwort, they are not interchangeable.
| Feature | Common Mugwort (A. vulgaris) | Chinese Mugwort (A. argyi) | Japanese/Korean Mugwort (A. princeps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native Region | Europe, Asia, North Africa | China, Korea, Japan | Korea, Japan |
| Leaves | Dark green above, white-tomentose below | Silvery wormwood, downy | Japanese/Korean varieties |
| Primary Use | Culinary flavoring, folk medicine | Moxibustion, TCM | Culinary herb, sweets |
| Allergies | Related to ragweed, can cause allergies | Can trigger allergic reactions | Can trigger allergic reactions |
Exploring Modern and Traditional Applications
Today, the mugwort name is still tied to its historical uses, but modern perspectives offer a more nuanced view. Some use mugwort for its purported oneirogenic properties, claiming it can enhance lucid dreaming when consumed as a tea or placed in a dream pillow. However, the presence of thujone in the plant, a neurotoxic compound, warrants caution, and large doses are generally discouraged.
Many of mugwort's traditional medicinal applications, such as for digestive and menstrual issues, lack strong modern scientific evidence. Still, it continues to be used in herbalism, and the moxibustion practice in traditional Chinese medicine remains a well-documented application, though its efficacy is still under review.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Weed
In conclusion, what is mugwort also known as? The answer is a testament to its multifaceted role in human history. From the descriptive 'common wormwood' to the folkloric 'St. John's plant,' each name reveals a piece of its past. While its use as a flavoring and a protective herb may have faded in some cultures, mugwort continues to be a plant of deep significance in others. Whether it's the yomogi of a Japanese rice cake or the ài yè of a moxibustion treatment, mugwort's many names ensure its story and its legacy endure.
