Wormwood

Artemisia absinthium is a species of wormwood, native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia 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.

The leaves and flowering tops are gathered when the plant is in full bloom, and dried naturally or with artificial heat. Its active substances include silica, two bitter elements (absinthine and anabsinthine), thujone, tannic and resinous substances, malic acid, and succinic acid.

Wormwood is mostly a stomach medicine. It can be used therapeutically to remedy indigestion and gastric pain.

For medicinal use, the herb is used to make a tea for helping pregnant women during pain of labor.

A wine can also be made by macerating the herb. It is also available in powder form and as a tincture.

The oil of the plant can be used as a cardiac stimulant to improve blood circulation.

Pure wormwood oil is very poisonous, but with proper dosage poses little or no danger.