Mugwort and Ginger Powder Water

Why people make this water

Mugwort has long been treasured in traditional East Asian households — its distinctive scent is said to deter insects, and at Dragon Boat Festival it is traditionally hung by the door to keep out snakes and pests. Its uses run far deeper than fragrance: mugwort is traditionally associated with easing the nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and wind-cold aches that come from cold and damp, and is especially noted for women’s menstrual discomfort. Fresh or dried mugwort is available at Chinese or Asian grocers and online. Paired with ginger powder, it simmers into a water you can drink, use as a warm compress on a sore shoulder, or use as a foot soak to support circulation and ease aches and cramps.

Method

1. Wash the mugwort leaf and boil in 1.5 L of water for 15 minutes.
2. Stir in the ginger powder until combined.
3. Let it cool to about 45°C, then use as a warm compress or foot soak.

Nourilo’s Tips

If you use the mugwort-ginger water as a foot soak, it is best done just before bed — it is traditionally used to dispel cold and damp, ease body aches and women’s menstrual discomfort, and help you sleep better.