Herb — WORMWOOD

Family - Compositae

Species - Artemisia absinthium & Artemisia Annua

Local Name - Green Ginger, Sweet Annie

Habitat - Rocky hillsides, wastelands

Commonly found in: The former can be found in Eurasia & North Africa, the latter can be found in S. E. Europe, Iran, China, and North America.

Parts used in both are the leaves, flowers, roots, bark & stems, & seed.

According to Lesley Bremnes author of Herbs, 'Artemisia apiacea is considered a beautifying nutriment in China as it clears toxins. It is also taken to prevent and treat malaria.'

Description:

This herb is somewhat silky to the touch; it is a perennial, which is supported by a woody stem. It grows to a height in excess of 2 feet but less than 4. The stem is white in coloration and covered in fine hairs. The leaves are blunt with irregular symmetry, with flowers that are globular in nature and a green-yellow to tint. The leaves have a very bitter taste and odor.

History:
According to Richard Miller in his work, The Magical & Ritual Use of Herbs, "The genus is named Artemisia for Artemis, the Greek name for Diana, Goddess of the Moon. In an early translation of the Herbarium of Apuleius: 'Of these worts that we name Artemisia, it is said that Diana did find them and delivered there powers and leechdom to Chiron the Centaur, who first from these worts set forth a leechdom, and he named these worts from the name of Diana, Artemis, that is Artemisias.'"

Pharmacological Information:

Absinthe or Absinthine is a dimeric guaranolide with a principle agent of anabisinthin and volatile oils containing Thiyone. It is considered a narcotic analgesic in the same grouping as Codeine and Dextromethorphan hydrobromide. It is primarily considered as a narcotic agent with analgesic properties acting by depressing the medulla oblongata within the brain nulling the effects of pain and anxiety.

Preparations:

This herb can be consumed by smoking or as a decoction as a liqueur.

Ritual Use:

Again from Richard Miller's book, "An excellent liqueur can be made by taking one ounce of wormwood (preferably the flowers) and put them into a pint of brandy and let stand for six weeks. The resultant tincture is then combined with Pernod or anisette to make the classical absinthe. This is excellent as an after-dinner liqueur, or after a ritual when everyone is emotionally tired. "

Cautionary Note:

Long-term usage of this is discouraged, as it is habit-forming by nature. Ingestion may cause convulsions in certain persons with a tendency to be sensitive to the oil of Thiyone.