Good coal extender (pic heavy)

[Lake]

I want to show you very interesting plant. This plant is called Mugwort (scientific name Artemisia vulgaris) and makes very good coal extender!

Leaves

Flowers

It holds the dead leaves at the bottom

And this is exactly what you need, just pick up some of the dead leaves (contain essential oils)

and roll them between your hands

This small bundle is perfect coal extender! Holds coal for about 20 minutes, but you can create bigger bundle if you need . I used lighter at this time.

It can be easily ignited with ferro rod, you just fluff it up and strike a spark, or with magnifying lens, etc... Then you put it into your tinder and blow it to flame. This can be smaller alternative to amadou.
I don't know if this plant is growing in the UK but here in my country is pretty widespread.

 

[Singeblister]

thanks another good use for this plant
It has medicinal properties ( which i cant remember right now ) and is also supposed to be a nice flavoring for lamb according to Marcus Harrison although i havnt tried it yet.

 

[Tony]

Good stuff, I'll have to get that a go Thanks for posting up the pics

 

[dwardo]

Mugwort smells great Though i beleive too much of the smell can lead to "funny" dreams. Using it on a smudge will all help to keep the bugs at bay. I have some on the window sill at the moment

 

[Chinkapin]

Lake: Thanks for posting this information and these very useful pics. This plant is not native to the U.S., where I live, but it has somehow got introduced here and is widespread and invasive.

I think it will be very useful. I'm going to try to find some and give it a try. I understand that it is very common in herbal medicine and has several uses. When you see Chinese accupuncturist using a burning substance called "moxa" or moxabustion this is what is being used.

Once again, thanks