Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
Personality
: Together with other members of the Artemisia family, Wormwood has a feathery appearance and a greyish colour. It often grows in large clumps on open ground and is native to Britain. It is the most bitter of the Artemisias, as you will soon find out if you nibble a leaf. The plant has a strong, aromatic smell.
Sources:
You may be able to find some growing wild or you could grow it in your garden if you have a large enough spot for it (it grows to about 1m, with a fair spread). I like to work with the fresh plant, but dried-leaf or tincture are available from herbal apothecaries.
Anecdotes:
Several years ago I moved into a furnished flat overlooking Hampstead Heath. The flat seemed very pleasant, until we discovered the bedbugs. I collected some fresh Wormwood from the heath and made a very strong extract in cider vinegar. I then sprayed the bed with this using a plant spray - goodbye bedbugs. The lingering smell of Wormwood and cider vinegar was actually very pleasant.
Uses:
Intestinal parasites, poor digestion, poor appetite, toxic conditions. Can be used in depression, where liver function is weak.
Actions:
Bitter digestive tonic, anthelmintic, liver tonic.
Dosage & Preparations:
This herb really is very bitter. A maximum of 10 drops of tincture is enough per dose, this must be heavily diluted. The dried herb can be used at a rate of two teaspoons per ½ Li. One dose of this is a small wineglassful, sipped slowly. Do not sweeten Wormwood, as the bitter taste is an important element of its’ medical properties. For its bitter, digestive tonic action, it must be taken before meals.
Safety:
Wormwood can be toxic in large doses, so keep within the recommended dose.