Wormwood

The Scientific name of Wormwood: Artemisia Maritima L

Name of Wormwood in different languages:

English: Common wormwood, Cronewort, wild wormwood

Sanskrit: caurapurva, parskiyavani, jantunashan, corahva

Malayalam: Makkipoovu മക്കിപൂവ്‌

Plant description

It is a Himalayan area shrub, that grows up to 2 m tall, is erect, found at an altitude of  3000m high, The leaves are silvery, feathery, greyish green, with scented leaves, deeply pinnately lobed, stems are branched, with purple-tinged, and sub-branches are found at the base.

Leaf Arrangement

Shape-Deeply lobed palmate	Margin-Entire	Venation-parallel

Useful plant parts:

Whole plants, stems, and  leaves

Chemical Constituents

Anesthetic, antibacterial,  and antifungal, to treat itching, pain, warts, pinworm infestation, and cure bruises.

Medicinal uses: 

1. Digestive Health: It is used to stimulate appetite, improve digestion, and alleviate digestive discomforts like indigestion and bloating.
2. Anti-parasitic: Wormwood is believed to have properties that can help expel intestinal parasites.
3. Menstrual Support: It is used to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate menstrual cramps.
4. Fever Reduction: Traditionally, it has been used to reduce fever.
5. Anti-inflammatory: Some formulations use it for its anti-inflammatory effects.
6. Stimulant: Wormwood is known for its stimulating properties, which may provide a boost in energy and alertness.
7. Mental Health: It is believed to have calming effects and may be used to alleviate anxiety and nervousness.
8. Topical Uses: Wormwood may be used externally in the form of poultices or oils for certain skin conditions.

It’s important to note that while Wormwood has a long history of traditional use, its use should be approached with caution. The plant contains compounds, notably thujone, that can be toxic in large amounts. Therefore, it should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional or herbalist. Additionally, it may interact with certain medications or health conditions, so it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using Wormwood.

Chemical content:

Alkaloid santonin

How to prepare medicines:

1. External application of leaf juice can reduce the pain,  it is also helpful to cure itching, bruising, burning, and remove arts.

2. The decoction of the leaves can be used as a  tonic.

3. Uses of the dried leaves and flowers help expel the pinworm.

4. Dried herbs mixed with honey can be applied to cure bruises.