Artemisia abrotanum COMPOSITAE
The name “wormwood” is loosely applied to many members of the Artemisia group. The true wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) provides the extract, absinthin, which was dissolved in alcohol to make the fiery French absinthe. Incomplete knowledge of this herb led Pernod, in 1791, into his absinthe recipe. Although a solution of wormwood in water can be a tonic, appetite restorative, and general body toner and strengthener, in alcohol the herb can have a slow poisonous effect, producing delirium and disorientation, and sometimes permanent mental breakdown if it is taken to excess. The French Government, alarmed at its ill-effects, banned the use of Artemisia absinthium in absinthe, and the liqueur is now made using an extract of aniseed instead.
Wormwood is a powerful insect repellent, as is its milder relative, southernwood. A handy herb for town dwellers, because it will withstand smog and a grimy atmosphere, southernwood grows to a height of about 3 feet in a loose clump of long, hard stems feathered at the tops with dusty green. In spring and early summer yellowish flowers appear, and a tea that can be made from both flowers and leaves has been used to expel roundworms from animals and humans. A small handful of the leaves and flowering tops to a cup of boiling water is the usual dose. Sweeten it with honey to overcome the bitter taste.
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