Artemisia absinthium has a long historic uses in smoking, herbal medicine and food. Artemisia herb is used by many people before sleeping as it induces vivid dreams. The herb is also placed inside the pillow cover and sleeping over it. The herb has various bad effects on health.
The common names of Artmesia are Mugwort, green ginger, Chrysanthemum Weed, Felon Herb, Old uncle Henry, Wild Wormwood, Sailor’s Tobacco, Old Man, Naughty Man and St. John’s Plant. The herb is a native of Europe, North Africa and Asia. Two famous painters Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh have adored absinthe, as seen in their paintings. Many writers and poets have also penned some best novels and poems in the reverence of Artemisia absinthe. Some people mix Artemisia herb with tobacco and smoke.
What is Artemisia absinthium?
- Artemisia is a perennial herb, grows to 1- 2 m height, which has a woody root.
- It commonly grows on a nitrogenous soil, like waste areas and roadsides.
- The herb belongs to family Asteraceae.
- Artemisia is a narcotic, which gives a feeling of relaxation.
- It is the main ingredient of the hallucinogenic liquor absinthe.
- It has a long history of being smoked as in mixtures or as alone.
- Absinthe can be blended well with Cannabis, Tobacco or Damiana.
- For smoking absinthe, it can also be mixed with equal amounts of Passion flower, Wild lettuce and 1/8th part of Peppermint leaves. Filter can be used, so that the bitter flavor is unnoticed in mouth and on the lips.
Health Effects of Artemisia absinthium
Following are some of the health effects of Artemisia absinthe –
- It has narcotic, painkilling and a sedative effect.
- The oil of Artemisia has various other properties such as nervine, astringent, antibacterial, abortifacient and antiparasitic.
- The best way to feel its narcotic effect is drinking absinthe tea.
- It has a foul taste, which can be hided with some other stuffs.
- Consuming Artemisia can cause renal failure, involuntary evacuations, convulsions, foaming at mouth and abnormal respiration.
Benefits of the herb include treatment of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, spasms, epilepsy and gallbladder problems. It has long been used to induce labor and cause abortions.
Caution before taking Artemisia absinthium
- Artemisia absinthe is not only a psychic stimulant, but when used in excessive amounts for longer period, it becomes poisonous.
- When it is used excessively, it can cause artemisia addiction and dependence.
- It should not be taken by pregnant women as it can cause miscarriage.
