56. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

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🟥 In the Middle Ages, mugwort was known as Cingulum Sancti Johannis because it was believed that John the Baptist wore a girdle of the herbs in the wilderness.

🟥 Mugwort could supposedly preserve the traveller from fatigue, sunstroke, wild beasts and evil spirits. (I don't know about the sunstroke part so don't ever try it. If you suspect you're getting heatstroke, you have to get out of the heat immediately).

🟥 In Holland and Germany, gathering the herb on St. John's Eve, - June 23 - offered protection against disease and misfortune.

🟥 In Cornwall, during the days of World War 2 rationing, the dried leaves were used as an economical substitute for black tea (you can also consume it as a vegetable. Mugwort omelette anyone)?

🟥 Many species of Lepidoptera feed on the mugwort, including the common emerald, bordered pug, scalloped hazel and mouse moths.

🟥 The plant is also known as felon herb, cranewort, Artemis herb, naughty man, old man, old Uncle Henry, muggons and sailor's tobacco (because it was smoked when sailors ran out of regular tobacco while at sea).

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