California Mugwort Herbal Body Oil
Grown in my backyard in the heart of Northeast Los Angeles, this California Mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana) body oil is a labor of love and deep communion. It is one of the first plants I had a deep connection with. I regularly sit with this plant, taste its leaves, and listen to what it has to say. Each harvest is carried out with care, honoring the cycles of the land and the energy of the plant. The fragrant bundles dry in the doorways of my home, before being gently infused for six weeks into high-quality imported Italian olive oil. I also add a small bit of vodka to act as a preservative.
This deeply aromatic oil serves as a ritual moisturizing body oil, perfect for anointing the skin with plant magic. It can also be warmed and used as a heat pack in the days leading up to menstruation.
Historically, mugwort has been revered across cultures as a dream-enhancer, a guardian of thresholds, and a soothing ally for the womb. Indigenous peoples of California have long used Artemisia douglasiana for its protective, purifying, and pain-relieving qualities, using it for teas, smudges, and topical preparations to ease muscle tension, support menstrual health, and invite vivid dreams. The dried herb is also perfect for yoni steaming.
How to Use
Aromatherapy ~ inhale before rubbing into skin.
On sore muscles.
In the bath.
For ritual/ceremony/anointing (place a few drops on top of head, forehead, palms of hands and bottoms of feet).
As a moisturizer (I like to apply it while my skin is still wet from bathing and take my time massaging it in).
Before bed for relaxation and setting the energy for dreaming. Use on hands, neck, forehead, feet & chest (also anywhere you want!).
In the week prior to menstruation
massage womb, hips & pelvis
apply oil over womb, cover with an old thick cloth (cotton or wool) and apply heat
During menstruation for cramps.
Photo by Natalie Sparaccio
When NOT to Use:
While pregnant or trying to conceive.
When you need to be more grounded and/or alert.
✶
Use your own discernment while breastfeeding.
For external use only.