Western Mugwort - Herbalpedia

HERBALPEDIA<br />

MUGWORT, WESTERN<br />

the presence of fine hairs. The lance-shaped<br />

leaves are mostly about 1-3 inches long and can<br />

be entire, irregularly toothed, or lobed.<br />

Hundreds of tiny yellowish flower heads form<br />

on the upper branches. Fruits are tiny achenes<br />

with no bristles. It is hardy to zone 5. It is in<br />

flower from August to October, and the seeds<br />

ripen from September to October. The flowers<br />

are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by the<br />

wind.<br />

Artemisia ludoviciana<br />

[ar-te-MIZ-ee-uh loo-doh-vik-ee-AH-nuh]<br />

(syn Artemisia purshiana)<br />

Family: Compositae<br />

Names: western mugwort, Louisiana<br />

sagebrush, lobed cudweed, cudweed, pasture<br />

sage, Estafiate, Iztauhyatl, Altamiza, Ajenjo del<br />

Pais, Azumate, Estafiate, Louisiana Sagewort,<br />

White Sagebrush<br />

Description: White sage is a perennial from<br />

rhizomes (underground stems that root from the<br />

nodes). This aromatic plant may be over 3 feet<br />

tall. Stems and leaves are usually white from<br />

Cultivation: Drought tolerant. Easily grown<br />

in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly<br />

alkaline loamy soil, preferring a sunny position.<br />

Does well in a sandy soil. Established plants<br />

are very drought tolerant. Plants are longer<br />

lived, more hardy and more aromatic when<br />

they are grown in a poor dry soil. A very<br />

polymorphic species. Slugs love the young<br />

shoots of this plant and have been known to<br />

destroy even well-established plants. A very<br />

ornamental plant, spreading by stolons to form<br />

loose patches, it can be invasive. There are<br />

many named forms selected for their<br />

ornamental value. Members of this genus are<br />

rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.<br />

Surface sow the seed from late winter to<br />

early summer in a greenhouse, making sure that<br />

the compost does not dry out. When large<br />

enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into<br />

individual pots and grow them on in the<br />

greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in<br />

late spring or early summer. Division in spring<br />

or autumn. Basal cuttings in late spring.<br />

Harvest the young shoots when about10 - 15cm<br />

long, pot up in a lightly shaded position in a<br />

greenhouse or cold frame and plant them out<br />

when well rooted. Very easy.<br />

History: The name Louisiana sagebrush was<br />

given because the plant grows near St. Louis,

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Missouri, although it is also found in Utah,<br />

Texas and Arizona.<br />

Properties: astringent<br />

Medicinal Uses: The leaves are astringent.<br />

They were commonly used by the Native<br />

Americans to induce sweating, curb pain and<br />

diarrhea. A weak tea was used in the treatment<br />

of stomach ache and menstrual disorders. Used<br />

by pregnant women to alleviate morning<br />

sickness. Externally, a wash of the leaves was<br />

applied to itching, rashes, swellings, boils,<br />

sores, etc. The wash was also applied to<br />

eczema and as an underarm deodorant. A<br />

poultice of the leaves can be applied to spider<br />

bites, blisters and burst boils. A snuff of the<br />

crushed leaves has been used to treat<br />

headaches, the sinuses and nosebleeds. The tea<br />

is added to bathwater is effective against<br />

arthritis. To soothe stomach ulcers, a tea is<br />

made by combining it with Manzanilla. A little<br />

is taken 3 times a day, cool or cold. A handful<br />

of the dried herb is added to a pot of barley<br />

simmering water and the steam inhaled through<br />

the open mouth, to treat lingering sore throats.<br />

Dosage: Cold infusion, 2-3 fluid ounces up to 4<br />

times a day.<br />

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Editor: Maureen Rogers. Copyright 2006. All rights<br />

reserved. Material herein is derived from journals,<br />

textbooks, etc. THGMN cannot be held responsible for the<br />

validity of the information contained in any reference noted<br />

herein, for the misuse of information or any adverse effects<br />

by use of any stated material presented.<br />

Toxicity: Not appropriate during pregnancy or<br />

with overt liver disease.<br />

Culinary Uses: Leaves and flowering heads<br />

are used as a flavoring or garnish for sauces,<br />

gravies etc. A herb tea is made from the leaves<br />

and flowering heads.<br />

Other Uses: The leaves can be placed in the<br />

shoes as a foot deodorant. An infusion of the<br />

leaves has been used as an underarm deodorant.<br />

The soft leaves can be used as a toilet paper.<br />

The plant can be burnt to repel mosquitoes.<br />

incense, steam-bath<br />

References:<br />

Los Remedios, Michael Moore, Red Crane<br />

Press, 1990; ISBN: 1-878610-06-6<br />

Plants for a Future Database