Via Z. Cecilia Lu and the iteration of her project These Meridians brought to the People’s Health Sanctuary for StoryHarvest 2025: Altar to the Past, Altar to the Future, with input from bioregional herbalist Tara Quackenbush:

“Mugwort / cronewort / wormwood / 艾草 (Ài cǎo) / Artemisia is native to Europe and Asia and was introduced to North America by Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century. Holding antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory (amongst many other) qualities, mugwort has been used for many medicinal purposes including as an abortifacient, sleep aid, malaria treatment, and in moxibustion.  

In New York State, Mugwort is considered an invasive species. Mugwort typically spreads through its shallow root system and branching rhizomes, and can often be found in boundary areas like abandoned lots and highways. Mugwort can be identified by its leaves, which have silvery, furry undersides.”