Artemisia absinthium –
Wormwood
Botanical
Name – Artemisia absinthium
Family
– Asteraceae
History - Dioscorides used many species of
wormwoods for treating worms.
In
the 19th century there were problems of addition from regular
drinkers, and their side effects included muscle cramps and damage to the CNS.
It is the absinthe that has been a major ingredient for aperitifs and herb
wines. This led to France
Parts Used - The Ariel parts are harvested in late
summer.
Description - A perennial from the Artemisia genus
that grows to 1m, with grey-green stems and feathery leaves which are both
covered in fine hairs. Leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate. It is often confused
with the tree wormwood, which is a taller plant with more silvery leaves and
prolific yellow flowers. Sweet wormwood, Roman wormwood, Mugwort and
Southernwood are just a few of the other plants found in the Artemisia genus.
Cultivation - This plant was native to Europe,
though now is grows through out Asia and US.
It can be propagated from seed in spring or by dividing the roots in autumn.
Plants are thinned out to 30 – 60 cm apart. Seeds can be slow to germinate;
cuttings taken in summer can sometimes be quicker. The plant prefers medium
soil in full sun or slight shade. Wormwood grows from either seeds or seedlings. If
started from seeds, plant indoors first and transfer outside after sprouting.
Plant seedlings after the last frost in spring in full sun. Wormwood prefers
dry soil. Water occasionally, but don’t overdo it. Wormwood is not typically
vulnerable to disease, but overwatering can lead to root rot.
Constituents - Volatile Oil containing sesquiterpene
lactones – artabsin, anabsinthin
Vol
oils – thujone and azulene. Flavonoids, Phenolic acids, lignans. Glucoside,
Resin and starch
Actions
·
Aromatic
Bitter
·
Vermifuge
·
Cholagogue
·
Anti-inflammatory
·
Stomachic
·
Mild
antidepressant
·
Hepatoprotective
·
Antipyretic
·
Antiseptic
Indications
– Harmful organisms are a serious
health problem in every country in the world, not only developing countries.
Organisms of all sorts can contaminate food and water, causing health problems
in both people and animals. Wormwood contains several compounds, most notably
artemisinin, that are resistant to harmful organisms. These compounds create an
environment that is actively hostile to harmful organisms and discourages them
from thriving, even in animals as well as humans.
The essential oil from wormwood is an excellent form
of medicine for the gall bladder and the stomach. It is very good for any
weaknesses of the digestive tract, working to increase bile and digestive
juices and hence increase absorption of food. Hence it is useful in conditions
such as anaemia. It will also ease bloating and wind.
Wormwood has traditionally been used as a vermifuge,
hence its name Wormwood, as it is very effective for eliminating worms. The
anti-inflammatory action of wormwood makes it helpful in infections. The
tincture of wormwood was formerly used for nervous diseases.
Wormwood is a nerve stimulant, though it can be
toxic in excessive doses.
The Yale University School of Medicine performed a study in
which patients with digestive ailments were given either a placebo or an herbal
blend containing wormwood for a ten-week period. This double-blind,
placebo-controlled study observed that the patients who took the herbal blend
reported improved mood and quality of life.
It is an appetite stimulant and has been used for
roasting meat and poultry.
Placing the tips of the plants between your clothes
and under the bed will help to repel insects.
Dosage - 1-2ml (1:1) three times daily
Cautions - Take only under medical supervision,
best taken in small doses usually for no more than 4-5 weeks at a time.
Pregnant and lactating woman should not use the plant as it can abort the
foetus and taint milk. C.I Epilepsy, GIT bleeding. It can prolong menses
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