Lessons in Tongva Ethnobotany: 
Bright Leaved Kwiash ("Mugwort")

Along dry disturbed places, in Coastal Sage Scrub, and along the streams of the foothills, and even up to 11,000 feet, the beautiful bright green leaves of Mugwort announce their presence. The multi-pointed leaves, pale grey green on their undersides and bright green on their upper sides are easily identified. The dream plant, the powerful medicine plant, puberty plant, the plant that purified the hands of those who handled the dead, Wwiash was loved by the Tongva and is still one of our favorite plants.

 

Medicinally, Kwiash leaves were used in a decoction for headaches, colic, bronchitis, and rheumatism.  The juice of Kwiash neutralized the irritation from stinging nettles.  And if one was unlucky enough to have wandered into a poison oak patch, Kwiash juice quickly healed the infections and rashes from those bright red leaves of poison oak.  A decoction was also drunk for urinary problems and asthma.  A mild tea made from the bark soothed stomach aches, sore throats and coughs.  Sore eyes were cleared in the cool waters of a Wwiash bath.  Cuts, bruises, sores, and back pains were eased with a poultice made from all parts of the plant. A decoction was used externally as a poultice for wounds and rheumatic pain.  The leaves were heated and placed in the ear for ear aches.  And a leaf would be gently placed in a nostril to filter out flying dust.

 

Kwiash leaves were also used to wash hair and was recommended for scalp irritations. All these medicinal uses would alone recommend this wonderful plant.  But Kwiash offered more. Mugwort was formed into bundles and hung in sweathouses, its deep aroma was twiggered by the heat of "the sweat." It magically healed mnd and spirit, soothed the soul, and prepared one for deep and powerful dreams. Shamans recommended that a Tongva with troubled sleep place Kwiash in his bed, and sweet dreams would offer relief.

 

Girls preparing for puberty rites were bathed in mugwort wash; and those special tribal members, the Wehepet, who handled the dead washed and rubbed their hands in Kwiash to purify them and protect them from popwerful spirits of the dead. Even rattlesnakes would slide away from anyone anointed with Kwiash. Medicine priests warned pregnant women not to use Kwiash, for it is a strong uterine stimulant and often proved fatal if carelessly used.

 

This beautiful perennial herb blossoms from June to October and can even be found in the Mojave Desert and in Joshua Tree woodlands.  It is very easy to grow and makes a wonderful addition not only to a native plant garden, but to any garden brightening its neighbors with its splendid leaves. -- Mark Acuna.

produced by the San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association
in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, Angeles National Forest

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