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Article - Absinthium (Wormwood)

Common Name: WORMWOOD - ABSINTHIUM (Wormwood), ALSEMKRUID
Scientific Name: Artemisia absinthium

A "must have" for all  caring pet owners!
Absinthium, also known as wormwood  is one of the silver artemesias and a hardy herbaceous  perennial. It bears tiny yellow flowers and has  grey-green leaves. Both are very bitter with a musky, aromatic smell.

Culinary:

Absinhium is one of the main ingredient of Absinthe, the green  aniseed  flavored  alcoholic drink.

Medicinal:

It has anti-inflammatory properties  and is an   anti-depressant. It is a bitter energy tonic for  continuously  exhaustion and over tiredness. Traditionally it has been  used  to stimulate appetite and to treat dyspeptic complaints, including gastritis, gall bladder ailments, jaundice and hepatitis. For centuries it has been used to expel intestinal worms, to stimulate the liver and the uterus - it was  traditionally used  to bring on  childbirth.  Please  avoid it during pregnancy. Infusion:  ¼ cup fresh/ 1tsp dried leaves to 500ml boiling water, per day, is taken before or after a meal.  Topically the infusion can be used as a wash  to treat skin disorders, infestations such as scabies and cuts and grazes. Compress: Soak a pad in the infusion to soothe bruises and bites. A Wormwood dressing of hot leaves bound over sprains, arthritic and rheumatic swelling has pain relieving action.

Insect repellent:

Absinthium is a  superb  insecticide without any harmful effects on bees and other useful insects. Use it   against  caterpillar, white fly and aphids. Plant it under fruit trees to keep away codling moth.  

Repellent spray:  Cook 225g absinthe leaves for 30 min. on the stove in 2 liter water. Strain and cool. Dilute 5ml washing powder or dishwashing liquid in 500ml hot water.  Mix and  spray  regularly. Grow it near carrots and potatoes.  Spray  in and outside the house to repel ants. Spray regularly as a precaution or 2 days continuously when there is an outbreak. Dried powdered absinthium also repels ants.

Flea, fly and lice repellent- harmless to animals : Use a strong tea to expel fleas - use it to wash your  carpets and wash the dog with  diluted tea - either will have no fleas. Hang bunches of leaves in a chicken coop to deter flies, lice and fleas. Place dried leaves in the hens bedding straw.

Flea powder: 1 tsp each dried Rosemary, Absinthium, Rue and 1 tsp fennel seed, crushed. Mix together and comb sparingly into your pets hair.

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Attention
The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner.

Mountain Herb Estate, and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided. By use of this site and the information contained herein you agree to hold harmless Mountain Herb Estate, its affiliates and staff

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