Mugwort and the strange reach of folk knowledge

Mugwort may well be the most cross-culturally consistent herb I've researched for this project, and I'd like to devote this article to it and do it properly, as I feel that it demonstrates the reach of folk knowledge quite nicely, or, in this particular case, the lack thereof that still leads to the same conclusions. A plant with many namesMugwort has been known under a variety of names in various European countries, including cronewort and felon herb; and, fittingly perhaps, Anglo-Saxon tradition includes mugwort in the Nine Herbs Charm, as the oldest of all herbs that protects against poison and ill. The plant's scientific name, Artemisia, references the Greek moon goddess Artemis, and has long been connected with the moon and its power. Independent traditions, similar conclusionsWhat I find rather fascinating about mugwort is that the plant's reputation stretches well beyond Europe, and even beyond Europe's ancient traditions. For example, East Asian traditions have a plant very…