Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium, is a member of the Asteraceae family. The name absinthium means without sweetness, differentiating it from its cousin, sweet wormwood. A bitter herb, wormwood is perhaps best known for its use in the liquor, absinthe, a drink that has a reputation for bringing about hallucinations when over indulged. It is also known as ‘the green fairy’ and was popular with several famous artists including Picasso and Van Gough although I think it’s fair to say, this fairy has its boots on! Culpepper described it as a ‘Martial herb, governed by Mars’. Magically, it is associated with divination, protection and rebounding of harmful spells and has been said to be useful for astral projection and communing with spirits.
Wormwood is native across Europe and is naturalised across Northern America. It grows as a herbaceous perennial, up to 1.2 to 1.5 m tall with clusters of tiny yellow flowers.
The natural constituents of Wormwood are:
Sesquiterpine lactones, including absinthin and volatile oils including thujone
This product contains dried leaves.
Caution: do not use if pregnant. Long term use is not advised.
Suggested use: Add 1 teaspoon per mug of freshly boiled and slightly cooled water, allow to steep for 5 to 10 minutes and strain to remove herbs.
Please do remember that magical descriptions are for entertainment purposes only. Do not give herbs to children and be aware that if you are taking prescription medication, have a known medical condition or are pregnant or lactating, you should seek advice from your medical practitioner and a qualified herbalist who is a member of a professional organisation such as NIMH or CPP before taking herbs. Please do not offer herbs to other people without making them aware that they should also follow this advice.
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