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Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium
L., anise flavored drug banned from commercial use
as primary ingredient in absinthe liqueur. An easy to grow,
popular garden herb with a long medicinal
history.
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| Wormwood at Fernwood Botanic Gardens, Niles, Michigan.
Ernest Hemingway reportedly imbibed on absinthe as did Vincent van Gogh, many a fine artist ruined his brain on the drug before it was outlawed. |
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Beach Wormwood, Artemisia caudata,
found in the dry dunelands of the Great Lakes.
It's close relative Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris L. is used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal disorders, indigestion, stomach ulcers, like wormwood it was used to treat worms. Root extractions used for treating nervous disorders, impaired sleep, depression, irritability, hypochondria, anxiety. Use of this herb is no longer recommended because it is toxic. |