Aromatic, perennial herb, 0.4-1m. high. Young twigs pubescent. Leaves alternate, pinnately lobed, dark-green above, white-grey and pubescent beneath.
Compositae
Artemisia vulgaris L.
Local names:
English names:
Wormwood, mugwort, fleabane, felon herb, motherwort, sailor’s tobacco.
Description:
Aromatic, perennial herb, 0.4-1m. high. Young twigs pubescent. Leaves alternate, pinnately lobed, dark-green above, white-grey and pubescent beneath. Inflorescence in drooping small head of terminal, compound raceme; flowers greenish-yellow. Achene minute, oblong-ellipsoid..
Flowering period:
October - December.
Distribution:
Grows wild in mountainous regions; generally cultivated for medicinal purposes.
Parts used:
The whole plant except the roots is collected in spring and summer before flowering. It is used fresh or in air-dried form.
Chemical composition:
The essential oil from the plant consists of cineol, a - thujone, dihydro matricaria ester, tetradecatrilin, tricosanol, arachyl alcohol. In addition to the essential oil, it also contains adenine and choline.
Therapeutic uses:
The entire plant, except the roots, is used as a haemagogic, antispasmodic and haemostatic. It is used to treat menstrual disorders, leucorrhoea, threatened abortion, haemorrhagic dysentery, haemoptysis, epistaxis, metrorrhagia, vomiting, colic, neuralgia, rheumatism and impetigo. The daily dose is 6 to 12g in the form of a decoction, extract or pills. The young leaves are used as a cautery to relieve neuralgia. In treating menstrual disorders, the plant is administered a week before menstruation.