The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies Epilepsy, Convulsions, and Nervine: The sedative effects of mugwort help ease epilepsy and convulsions. It has antispasmodic properties than can control seizures in some epileptics. It helps decrease the severity of the seizures and increases the time between attacks. Tea or tincture of the leaf seems to work best.
Burns, Itching, Rashes, Poison Ivy/Oak, Fungal Infections: Mugwort is soothing on the skin and helps relieve the pain and itching from poison ivy, skin rashes, burns, and other skin irritations. It reduces scarring and helps the skin heal faster. Grind the fresh leaves and stems into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle. Apply the paste directly to the affected skin or wound. You may also use a leaf tea or infused flower oil as a topical antifungal and for relief from itching.
Insomnia, Fatigue, and Good Dreams: Mugwort regulates sleep, treating the sources of fatigue and insomnia. The sedative effects help the body to relax, but still allows the user to remain alert when needed. To improve sleep, try taking Mugwort as a tincture or tea, or add it to a long bath soak before bedtime. Hanging Mugwort by the bed is said to promote good vivid dreams.
Antibacterial Properties: Mugwort leaf tincture inhibits the growth of numerous bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Bacillus spp, E. coli, Pseudomonas, and others. Acetone extractions seem to work the best.
Osha, Ligusticum porteri This species of osha grows in the Rocky Mountains and the southwestern United States, as well as parts of Mexico. The Asian variety is also extremely medicinal as is the Western North American species. L. porteri is also called Colorado cough root, bear medicine, bear root, Indian root, Indian parsley lovage, Porter's wild lovage, loveroot, Porter's lovage, Porter's licorice-root, Porter's ligusticum, mountain ginseng, mountain carrot, wild parsley, wild lovage, chuchupate, and empress of the dark forest. It is hard to domesticate. It likes high altitude meadows. Osha is in the 191
Harvesting: Harvest leaves, stems, and flowers when in flower (end of summer) and dry them for later use. Dig roots in the autumn.
Warning: The plant may be toxic when used in large doses. Do not use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Skin dermatitis is sometimes seen. Do not use the plant if you are allergic or if you develop a skin rash.
Apiaceae/Umbelliferae (Carrot/Parsley) Family and smells strongly like celery.
