Absinthe or Wormwood

Artemisia absinthium

Compositae/Asteraceae
Composite / Aster Family

Common names: Absinthium, Old Woman, Green Ginger, Wermut, Wermuth, Ajenjo, St. John's Girdle

Absinthe, better known as Wormwood, is a very bitter herb. Its Latin name absinthium refers to this bitterness as it means "without sweetness." Some think the Latin name Artemisia was derived from a legend concerning Diana, also known as Artemis, Greek Goddess of the hunt. Another possibility is that it was named after the botanist Artemisia who lived 350 years before Christ. However its name came to be, Artemisia absinthium was highly valued and Tusser (1577) writing in "July's Husbandry" said:

"While Wormwood hath seed get a handful or twaine, To save against March, to make flea to refraine. Where chamber if sweeped and Wormwood is strowne, What saver is better (if physick be true) For places infected than Wormwood and Rue? It is a comfort for hart and the braine, And therefore to have it is not in vaine." (quoted from A Modern Herbal by M. Grieve)

In the Old Testament, this herb is mentioned, "He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood." (Lamentations 3:15) Absinthe is also the name of a very popular drink which was made with oil of Wormwood during the nineteenth century. It proved to be addictive as well as a subtle poison. Excessive use of Absinthe caused a nervous and mental disorder with symptoms of dizziness, seizures, stupor, delirium, hallucinations, and even death. It has now been banned in nearly every country in the world. Considering the poisonous nature of wormwood oil, it would seem better to use it in a liniment for the external treatment of sprains and bruises.

Historically, Wormwood was recognized as a digestive tonic, a liver and bile tonic, a pain reliever, and a treatment for the female system. It was best known as a vermifuge to expel worms from the body as well as a taeniacide to kill tapeworms. The plant was also hung outside the doors to keep evil spirits away and used as a love charm when mixed with marigold flowers, marjoram, and thyme.

Artemisia absinthium is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia but now is cultivated in other countries.

Artemisia absinthium, an herbaceous perennial, is grown as an ornamental in the garden. It is an upright plant, two to four feet tall, with well-branched growth and finely divided, gray-green leaves. During the summer, sprays of yellow flowers can be used in bouquets. This plant can also be made into wreaths, swags and other craft projects.

Wormwood is still used as an insect repellent. To make "flea to refraine" as suggested by John Heinerman, a medical anthropologist, in his book Miracle Healing Herbs, take a handful of fresh Wormwood leaves, crush them thoroughly and then mix with apple cider vinegar. Place this mixture on a square of gauze and tie up the ends. Rub the skin well to keep flies, mosquitoes and gnats away.