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Wormwood - Artemisia Absinthium

wormwo37-l.jpg

imag source: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/w/wormwo37.html#worcom

Physical Characteristics

Artemisia absinthium (absinthium, absinthe wormwood, wormwood, common wormwood, or grand wormwood) is a species of wormwood, native to temperate regions of Eurasia and northern Africa. It is a herbaceous perennial plant, with a hard, woody rhizome.It grows naturally on uncultivated, arid ground, on rocky slopes, and at the edge of footpaths and fields. It prefers soil rich in nitrogen. The plant's characteristic odor can make it useful for making a plant spray against pests. In the practice of companion planting, because of the secretions of its roots, it exerts an inhibiting effect on the growth of surrounding plants, thus weeds. It can be useful to repel insect larvae but it need only be planted on the edge of the area of cultivation. It has also been used to repel fleas and moths indoors.The word “wormwood” comes from Middle English “wormwode” or “wermode”. The form “wormwood” is influenced by the traditional use as a cure for intestinal worms. Webster's Third New International Dictionary attributes the etymology to Old English “wermōd” (compare with German Wermut and the derived drink Vermouth). An alternate explanation dubiously combines the Old English “wer”, meaning “man” (as in “werewolf”), with OE “mōd”, meaning “mood” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_absinthium

History

Edible Uses Tonic, stomachic, febrifuge, anthelmintic.

A nervine tonic, particularly helpful against the falling sickness and for flatulence. It is a good remedy for enfeebled digestion and debility. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/w/wormwo37.html#worcom

Medicinal Uses

Artemisia comes from Ancient Greek ἀρτεμισία, from Ἄρτεμις (Artemis).In Hellenistic culture, Artemis was a goddess of the hunt, and protector of the forest and children. Absinthium comes from Ancient Greek ἀψίνθιον (apsinthion),[4] possibly meaning “unenjoyable”, and probably referring to the bitter nature of the derived beverage.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_absinthium

Myths and Tales

Other Uses

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  • Last modified: 2010-02-11 16:55
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