See also our Yarrow & Mugwort Smudge Wands
 
If you're unfamiliar with smudging, it is the act of burning dried plant materials, either loose in an open vessel, or wrapped up in a wand. This is often done in a ritualistic or religious setting for a variety of reasons, but can also be done simply because you had a stressful day and need a moment of peace, or because you want to freshen up the energy of your home, just to name a few.
The overall essence of an herbal smudge is that of cleansing, clarifying, healing, and protection, though each plant used brings its own qualities.

There have been many studies conducted, which you can find online, showing the anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties of certain herbal smokes when applied in an indoor setting, something that is backed by thousands of years of "folkloric" use. 

Yarrow and mugwort are two herbs with an extremely long history of use;
Mugwort is most often referred to as a sacred dream time herb, capable of widening our subconscious or spiritual perceptions. It has been used for centuries from Asia to Northern Europe to aid in lucid or prophetic dreaming, intuitive discernment, and trance work. 

Amanda Crooke from Locust Light Farm has this to say about mugwort: 
"Mugwort can be burned as incense or smoked to ease you into a deeper meditation or trance state. It's not an herb that makes you high, persay; perhaps it opens a more direct channel to the lunar magic that is always there, latent in the brightness of the sun. I usually blend it with other herbs such as sage, mullein, and motherwort for smoking. It can be a lovely, spiritual experience.Mugwort helps us to release our wild, untamed selves. It encourages both men and women to connect with the divine feminine within, to open our third eye to our visions and dreams."