Common mugwort is a perennial herb of the aster family. Mugwort has an erect, branched stem and small, curved flowers. The stem can grow up to 1.5 meters in height.

The upper side of the leaves is dark green, while the underside is silvery-gray. The numerous flower heads are located at the base of the plant in spike-like clusters. The fruit forms as a spindle-shaped seed cluster. It blooms from June to July, continuing into August-September.

This plant thrives in roadsides, meadows, clearings, and waste areas. In the past, it was believed to have magical properties, and wreaths made from it during the Midsummer festival were thought to provide protection from magical influences throughout the year.

Common mugwort is used in traditional medicine. Infusions and decoctions of common mugwort possess calming, antipyretic, anticonvulsant, hemostatic, temperature-reducing, wound-healing, and overall tonic properties. It also improves the functioning of the digestive organs and stimulates appetite. Prolonged and excessive use of the plant may lead to disturbances in the nervous system. It should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, and there are other specific restrictions.

Information sources: www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia, https://www.agfonds.lv