Magical mugwort, not a true native but here since ancient times, arriving with incomers who valued it for food, medicine and its mythical powers of protection from evil spirits. This drought tolerant plant of waysides and wasteground is thriving on the verge between the School crossroad and Lucknam Park.
Mugwort has long been used as a remedy against fatigue. Indeed Roman soldiers tramping along the Fosse Way quite likely had sprigs of mugwort in their sandals, a widespread practice documented by Pliny. In the Middle Ages it was known as Cingulum Sancti Johannis, from the belief that John the Baptist wore a girdle of it in the wilderness. The 10th century “Nine Herbs charm”, an intriguing mix of Pagan and Christian imagery puts mugwort at the top of the list, honouring it as “yldost wyrta”, ‘the oldest of plants strong against poison and “þa laþan”, ‘the loathsome thing’, which travels the land (possibly the devil or a snake, or disease).
English name ‘mugwort’ is from the Old English mucgwyrt, mucg meaning ‘midge,’ referring to insect repelling properties. It was commonly used to flavour drinks, predating the use of hops in beer making, which may also explaining the name “mug”. Known as Bollan Bane on the Isle of Man, or white wort in reference to the silvery underside of the leaves, it is still worn as a charm by people attending Tynwald, the open air parliament held on Tynwald Hill.
The entire plant is edible, most commonly as a tea or aromatic herb. See Eatweeds recipes
The history of medicinal use is extensive, especially valued for digestive problems, menstrual discomfort and worms. Cautions: it can cause vivid dreams, is dangerous in pregnancy as may provoke miscarriage and is allergenic for hay fever sufferers. Avoid prolonged or high intake as it contains a neurotoxin
I recommend with this fascinating history of Chinese doctor Tu Yōuyōu, Nobel Prize winner for her discovery of a potent treatment for drug resistant malaria which saved millions of lives. Check Tu Youyou on Wikepedia The top secret Project 523 was established by Chairman Mao at the request of Ho Chi Min whose North Vietnamese troops were being decimated by malaria. Tu searched ancient Chinese manuscripts and travelled extensively talking to Chinese herbalists before finding Artemisin, the active anti malaria compound in a related plant Artemesis annua. Artemisin is also present, in lower concentrations in our common mugwort. Ancient plant knowledge still needed today.