|
|
|
|
| Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) | Family: Compositae |
| Common names: Green Ginger |
|
Wormwood (certified organic) |
Range: Europe, Siberia, and U.S.
History: The Romans aptly referred to common wormwood as absinthium from the word absinthial to mean "bitter." After rue, wormwood is recognized as the most bitter herb known. But, its name probably comes from the Anglo-Saxon wermode which translates to "mind preserver." The Greeks attribute the herb to the goddess Artemsia and cherished it as a remedy for hemlock poisoning and even the bite of the sea dragon. Wormwood was part of an old St. Luke's Day tradition for young lovers. To gain vision of ones true love, one would anoint them self with a mixture of dried marigold, wormwood marjoram, thyme and vinegar and honey. Then while lying in bed, this chant would be said: "St. Luke, St. Luke, be kind to me, In dreams let me my true-love see." |
|
Wormwood was once a traditional stuffing for goose and provides the bitter flavor in vermouth and, until it was banned in the U.S. in 1915, it also flavored absinthe. Absinthe was considered a dangerous beverage which lead to wormwood poisoning. Prior to its ban in France in the same year, many noted artists enjoyed it, including Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh. In fact, some experts believe that Van Gogh's fondness of absinthe lead to hallucinations and his eventual suicide. Wormwood is know for its ability to deter fleas and moths and, if grown as a companion plant in the vegetable garden, can deter deer and small animals. It's thujone content makes it a dangerous herb in volume, however, so care should be taken that it is not mistaken for a culinary herb. Constituents: bitters, thujone, azulenes, sesquiterpene lactones (absinthin)
|
|
