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African Wormwood / Wilde Als

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.  Apple Tree Initiatives and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided.

Used for its multitude of medicinal properties artemisia helps in the treatment of malaria, headaches, intestinals worms and increasing the appetite. Heating the leaves and inhaling the vapors helps clear the respiratory tract, thus treating the common cold, cough, sore throat, influenza and asthma.

The roots, stems and leaves are used and prepared as infusions, enemas, poultices, body washes and lotions. It is also smoked (to ease phlegm and ease sore throat), snuffed or drunk as a (very bitter) tea. Taken as a tea, the herb treats colic, constipation and expels worms.

​​​​​​​One of the most common practices is to insert fresh leaves into the nostrils to clear blocked nasal passages and stop nose bleeds. It is also used in socks for sweaty feet and used to infuse brandy. It is also used as a natural insecticidal spray and moth repellent. Warmed leaves applied as a poultice relieve inflammation such as arthritis while an aqueous infusion applied as a lotion can treat hemorrhoids.

Studies to verify or substantiate the traditional use of this herb are oncoming and its use in treating modern diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases are being investigated. One research project looked at the use of Artemisi

Wormwood, named after the Greek goddess, Artemis; the goddess of hunting and childbirth, belongs to the family of Compositae, a group consisting of 180 species. Many artemisia varieties have insecticidal properties, wormwood being the most potent. It is a shrub-like perennial, native to Europe and Asia, with flowers that have a greenish-yellow tint. The whole family share an extreme bitterness from all parts of the plant: “As bitter as wormwood” is a very ancient proverb.

This is a herb that should not be taken longer than a 7 to 10 day period as it can cause headaches and shaking. (Thujone is present in most species of Artemisia and A. absinthium contributes most of the thujone in the strong liquor Absinthe, reputed to have mind-altering effects).