Mugwort for Dreaming
Debra Hultgren
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) has many uses in historic as well as current times. I have included the dried plant in combination with other dried plants in sleep/dream teas and pillows. A simple sleep pillow formula includes Mugwort, Hops, Lavender, Roses and Chamomile. The addition of the Mugwort is said to increase dreaming. While I am not sure of any formal scientific studies on this, I certainly have personal experience. Mugwort, like all plants contains many chemical constituents and among many things is considered a mild narcotic. The constituent “Thujone” may be in play.
All this being said, it would appear that if your goal is to sleep soundly, Mugwort might not be right in the formula. I have had no trouble personally when it is a small part of the formula. At some point when I have nothing I need to accomplish the next day, I will do a night of both a little Mugwort tea and a Mugwort pillow near my head. I do find dreams intriguing. The trick is to keep a log book and a pen near your bed and immediately write what you remember. Lucid dreaming is a state sought after by quite a following. The internet is full of blogs, websites and other communication about dreaming. Mugwort is mentioned throughout as an aid to increased vividness and recollection of dreams.
Making an herbal pillow is as simple as sewing a small bag by taking piece of cloth, folding it in half and sewing up the two sides, leaving the end open. Turn inside out, fill with herbs and then stitch closed the open end. While making some pretty bags is certainly great if you have the skill, a simple bag is all you need to get the results.
Mugwort mixture w/ hops, rose chamomile and lavender
loading dream pillow w/ mixture
finished dream pillow