The Healing Power of Mugwort
I was recently interviewed by the lovely Lavanya @boxwalla. I love her concept of creating intriguing subscription boxes: "celebrating the highest quality of human expression in its different forms."
Here is an excerpt from the interview explaining why I included mugwort in my latest two new launches: Coconut Matcha Brightening Mask and Earth + Sea Detox Foot Soak.
What is your favorite skincare ingredient?
One of my favorite skincare ingredient is Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) which is included in our two newly launched products: EARTH + SEA DETOX FOOT SOAK and COCONUT MATCHA BRIGHTENING MASK.
I first recognized the amazing benefits of this herb while on a trip to Korea. We were staying at a really lovely hotel which focused on "the harmony and beauty of modernism and tradition". I was thrilled to find that they offered a Korean style bathhouse in their modern spa. They had this amazing tea bath soak which was so relaxing. My fibromyalgia induced aching muscles and joint pain seemed to melt away and I slept so peacefully and soundly. I made sure to slip away every night to soak in the spa for the ten nights I was there. That trip, and especially that special bath ritual, was a turning point in my healing journey. The main ingredient in the bath I later found out was mugwort.
Interestingly, mugwort has been prized by many cultures since ancient times. Roman centurions used to put the mugwort in their sandals to help relieve fatigue and the pain of aching feet. In Ayurvedic medicine, mugwort has been used as a wash for fungal infections such as athlete's foot. In Asia it is used as a natural alternative skin treatment for acne and rashes as well as an anti-aging treatment as it increases skin radiance, reduces inflammation and has a brightening effect.
