Happy 4/20
4/20 Vibes Without the Smoke: Mugwort Magic for the Mind & Spirit
While the world lights up in celebration of 4/20, not everyone wants to spark something up. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the relaxing, elevating energy of this day. Let’s talk about Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)—a powerful plant ally rooted in deep tradition and known for its ability to shift the mind, soothe the body, and support our inner journeys, all without lighting anything up.
What is Mugwort?
Mugwort is a silvery, aromatic herb that grows abundantly in many parts of the world. Known by herbalists as a plant of intuition, dreams, and clarity, mugwort has been used for centuries by midwives, seers, healers, and herbalists alike.
How It Makes You Feel (Without Getting "High")
Mugwort doesn’t intoxicate you—but it elevates your senses in a gentle, grounding way. It's known for:
Enhancing dream recall and vividness
Promoting a meditative, relaxed state
Supporting deep rest and body awareness
Sparking intuitive insights
Mugwort is like that wise elder who doesn’t raise their voice but always shifts the room when they speak. You feel calmer, more connected, and more open to the world within and around you.
How to Enjoy Mugwort (Without Smoking)
If smoking isn't your thing, mugwort is still your ally. Here are a few ways to welcome it into your self-care and spiritual practice:
1. Mugwort Tea
Sip on a light infusion before bed or during journaling. Mugwort pairs beautifully with chamomile or lavender. Keep it light—too much can be overstimulating for some folks.
2. Mugwort Baths
Drop a handful of dried mugwort into a muslin bag or tea strainer and let it steep in your bath. It calms the nerves, soothes the muscles, and opens your energetic field for dreaming or meditation.
3. Mugwort Oil or Salve
Great for rubbing onto your belly during moon time or into your temples before rest. Traditionally used to support menstruation and calm restless thoughts.
4. Dream Pillows
Place dried mugwort in a sachet under your pillow to invite prophetic dreams and deeper sleep.
Mugwort’s Medicinal Benefits
Nervine: Calms the nervous system, helps with anxiety and overthinking
Digestive: Stimulates sluggish digestion and eases bloating
Emmenagogue: Supports healthy menstrual flow and moon cycles
Antimicrobial: Traditional uses for clearing parasites and infections
Energetic Cleanser: Used in rituals to clear stagnant or negative energy
A Note on Safety
Mugwort is not for everyone. It should be avoided during pregnancy (as it can stimulate the uterus) and by those with ragweed allergies, as they may also be sensitive to mugwort. Always start small and tune in to how your body responds.
Mugwort Is a Portal, Not a Shortcut
This 4/20, instead of lighting up, try tuning in. Mugwort won’t make you high—but it just might make you see more clearly, dream more deeply, and feel more aligned with your inner knowing.
We don’t need to escape ourselves—we can meet ourselves, fully and gently, with the help of plants like mugwort.
Have you tried mugwort before? What was your experience like? I'd love to hear in the comments. Happy 4/20, in whatever way you choose to celebrate your peace.
— Essence the Herbalist