Is this the same plant that supplements are made from? It look like a weed, not a shrub - definitely not 'woody' as the name sweet wormwood would imply.
Would I have to dry it to use it?
Also, how much of it would I need to eat to hit babesia?
It says that it does well in poor soil and that it spreads aggressively.
Posted by Nutmeg (Member # 7250) on :
Hi Tailz,
Artemisia is the genus name for hundreds of plant species. You would have to know for sure what species you were getting. I think there are even a number of wormwood species.
Try the bottom link under "In Botany" on this page. It wouldn't let me post the entire link.
Unless someone is a trained herbalist or consults with one, it seems like a much better idea to buy herbs that are already prepared into standardized products such as capsules or tinctures. Otherwise you might not know what you are getting and could end up with something ineffective or even worse, something harmful.
There are lots of pretty plants and herbs in the sage family, so it might be fun to grow. Since it's in a local nursery, it would probably do well in your garden.
Nutmeg
Posted by LymeCFIDSMCS (Member # 13573) on :
It has to be Artemesia Annua specifically. If you do a Google search on artemesia annua and the WHO (world health organization), or malaria, you might find instructions on how to dry it and make tea from it.
You can also make your own tincture from it. Just Google "how to make herbal tincture" online (make sure the alcohol you use is a high enough proof).
Posted by tailz (Member # 10014) on :
Thanks. Hmmm? I'm not sure what to do now.
I know for a fact that it was a perennial, said 'sweet wormwood', but I'm not sure what species it was. I'll have to go look and compare.
Would I have to make a tincture of it though? Couldn't I just eat it raw?
Posted by Keshvara (Member # 13599) on :
Do be careful. Wormwood in certain concentrations is poisonous. As it's name implies, in the "old days" it was a powerful parasite cleanser. It was also used to bring on menses or even spontaneous abortion. Consult with a qualified herbalist as others are recommending.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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this may not be the best source to learn about the many species of this plant, but it gives a start. Wormwood (as with absinthe) can be dangerous, depending upon the exact type, of course.
Artemisinin (pronounced /_rt__m_s_n_n/) is a drug used to treat multi-drug resistant strains of falciparum malaria. The compound (a sesquiterpene lactone) is isolated from the shrub Artemisia annua long used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Not all shrubs of this species contain artemisinin. Apparently it is only produced when the plant is subjected to certain conditions, most likely biotic or abiotic stress. It can be synthesized from artemisinic acid.[1]
. . . Artemisia has been used by Chinese herbalists for more than a thousand years in the treatment of many illnesses, such as skin diseases and malaria. The earliest record dates back to 200 BC , in the "Fifty two Prescriptions" unearthed from the Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs. . . . .
Absinthe is a distilled, highly alcoholic (45%-90% ABV), anise-flavored spirit derived from herbs, including the flowers and leaves of the herb Artemisia absinthium, also called "wormwood."
Absinthe is typically of a natural green color but is also produced in both clear and artificially colored styles. It is often called "the Green Fairy."
(poster's note: this is not a good thing. The alcoholic drink is toxic and can be fatal.)
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Whether we are talking about growing mint or kitchen herbs such as rosemary and thyme, it's important to get CERTIFIED ORGANIC (for consumption) when you buy them. Know their history, too. If they were grown near a freeway, pass on by.