I remember when I was first initiated to this powerful plant duo. I was browsing the Mythic Medicine shop after being a long time follower and fan of Amber’s podcast Medicine Stories. Their Wise Woman oil caught my eyes and soon I was building a relationship with their mugwort and yarrow oil. From the first time, I used the oil I could feel the power radiating off of it. I am a big fan of body oiling after showers and baths. The herbs were only slightly fragrant with the olive oil smell mellowing out the scent. She doesn’t use essential oils or fragence oils, which I most appreciated.

I could feel the spirits of mugwort and yarrow inviting me to slip deeper into my consciousness, begging me to shed my skin and cross over into the spirit world, or as some would call it the astral realm. I never expected to have such a profound experience with a herbal oil, as someone who pratices herbal body oiling due to dry skin and hereditary excema. I have always listened to the plants, but never before had they begged for ritual, at that exact moment.

I have never experienced the serpentine qualities of yarrow in such a dramatic way. (Which may sound counteractive because yarrow treats snake bites and mugwort can repel them.) It wanted to open me up to the sacred and to peel away what no longer served me. I felt vulnerable with the herbal oil covering my body, but not afraid because of the protective qualities. The mugwort only heightening my senses more with it’s strong connection to the moon and subconscious. Perhaps, if I applied more I could easily slip out of my skin and outside my consciousness.

Mugwort Dreams by Soulflower Plant Spirit Art

I have since made my own herbal body oil with mugwort and yarrow using the intermediary oil method. I also keep a jar of this oil in my house and always start a new batch when I am halfway through. I am pleased to be able to share my very basic formula with you.

The Formula

Supplies:

• Dried Mugwort

• Dried Yarrow

• Everclear or any other 190 proof

• Olive Oil

• A jar

• Cheese cloth or muslin

• Strainer

• Kitchen Scale

• Heat Safe Boil

• Pan

Steps:

1. Measure a half ounce of dried mugwort and a half ounce of dried yarrow and grind it with a blender, coffee grinder, or anything else you have. Make sure to source your herbs from a trusted supplier or if you are foraging away from run offs and pesticides.

2. Add herbs to a jar and about a half ounce of alcohol until the herbs are slightly moist, it should not be pooling. Seal the jar and allow to sit for 24 hours.

3. After 24 hours add the herb mixture and 6 to 8 oz of herbs to a blender nd blend until the machine begins to feel warm.

4. I like to heat it in a heat safe bowl with the double boiler method for a few hours to reduce the alcohol content (I have dry skin) and get more medicinal be fits out of it.

5. Line a strainer with cheese cloth or muslin and pour over herbal mixture. The goal of his steps to to remove the herbs from the menstrum.

6. Pour oil into an airtight jar, it should last for about a year.

Yarrow in the Olde Meade By Karen Davis