Difference between revisions of "Artemisia"

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Artemisia (Artemisia, wife of Mausolus). Compositae. Wormwood. A large genus of aromatic and bitter herbs and small shrubs, mostly in the northern hemisphere, and most abundant in arid regions.
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Leaves alternate, often dissected: heads small and mostly inconspicuous, numerous, and generally nodding, with yellow or whitish florets, wholly discoid, the involucre imbricated in several rows.
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In the West, many of the species, particularly A. tridentata, are known as sage brush. Grown for their medicinal properties or for foliage effects. The drug product of the artemisias is large. A. Absinthium is the chief source of absinthe; A. Barrelieri, Bess., of Spain, is said to be used in the preparation of Algerian absinthe; A. Cina, Berger, of the Orient, is the source of santonica. The garden kinds are perennials and thrive in the most ordinary conditions, even in poor and dry soil. Propagation is mostly by division.
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The aromatic leaves of many species of ''Artemisia'' are medicinal, and some are used for flavouring. Most species have an extremely bitter taste. ''A. dracunculus'' ([[Tarragon]]) is widely used as a herb, particularly important in [[French cuisine]].
 
The aromatic leaves of many species of ''Artemisia'' are medicinal, and some are used for flavouring. Most species have an extremely bitter taste. ''A. dracunculus'' ([[Tarragon]]) is widely used as a herb, particularly important in [[French cuisine]].
  
−
''[[Artemisia absinthium]]'' (Absinth Wormwood) was used to repel [[flea]]s and [[moth]]s, and in [[brewing]] (wormwood beer, wormwood wine). The aperitif ''[[vermouth]]'' (derived from the [[German language|German]] word ''Wermut'', "wormwood") is a wine flavored with aromatic herbs, but originally with wormwood. The highly poten
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''[[Artemisia absinthium]]'' (Absinth Wormwood) was used to repel [[flea]]s and [[moth]]s, and in [[brewing]] (wormwood beer, wormwood wine). The aperitif ''[[vermouth]]'' (derived from the [[German language|German]] word ''Wermut'', "wormwood") is a wine flavored with aromatic herbs, but originally with wormwood. The highly poten
 
t spirit [[absinthe]], also contains wormwood. Wormwood has been used medicinally as a [[tonic]], [[stomachic]], [[antipyretic|febrifuge]] and [[anthelmintic]].
 
t spirit [[absinthe]], also contains wormwood. Wormwood has been used medicinally as a [[tonic]], [[stomachic]], [[antipyretic|febrifuge]] and [[anthelmintic]].
  
 
''Artemisia arborescens'' (Tree Wormwood, or ''Sheeba'' in [[Arabic language|Arabic]]) is a very bitter herb indigenous to the [[Middle East]] that is used in tea, usually with [[mint]]. It may have some hallucinogenic properties.
 
''Artemisia arborescens'' (Tree Wormwood, or ''Sheeba'' in [[Arabic language|Arabic]]) is a very bitter herb indigenous to the [[Middle East]] that is used in tea, usually with [[mint]]. It may have some hallucinogenic properties.
  
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Within such religious practicies as [[Wicca]], both [[Artemisia absinthium|Wormwood]] and [[Artemisia vulgaris|Mugwort]] are believed to have multiple effects on the psychic abilities of the practitioner. Because of the power believed to be inherent in certain herbs of the genus ''Artemisia'', many believers cultivate the plants in a "moon garden".
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Within such religious practicies as [[Wicca]], both [[Artemisia absinthium|Wormwood]] and [[Artemisia vulgaris|Mugwort]] are believed to have multiple effects on the psychic abilities of the practitioner. Because of the power believed to be inherent in certain herbs of the genus ''Artemisia'', many believers cultivate the plants in a "moon garden".
  
 
The beliefs surrounding this genus are founded upon the strong association between the herbs of the genus ''Artemisia'' and the moon goddess [[Artemis]], who is believed to hold these powers. She is known also by [[Diana]], [[Selene]], and [[Pheobe]]. In [[Hellenistic culture]], [[Artemis]] was a goddess of the hunt, and protector of the forest and children.
 
The beliefs surrounding this genus are founded upon the strong association between the herbs of the genus ''Artemisia'' and the moon goddess [[Artemis]], who is believed to hold these powers. She is known also by [[Diana]], [[Selene]], and [[Pheobe]]. In [[Hellenistic culture]], [[Artemis]] was a goddess of the hunt, and protector of the forest and children.
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:Nurse: ...
 
:Nurse: ...
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::And she [Juliet] was wean'd, – I never shall forget it, –
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::And she [Juliet] was wean'd, – I never shall forget it, –
 
::Of all the days of the year, upon that day:  
 
::Of all the days of the year, upon that day:  
 
::For I had then laid wormwood to my dug,  
 
::For I had then laid wormwood to my dug,  
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Shakespeare also refers to wormwood in [[Hamlet]].
 
Shakespeare also refers to wormwood in [[Hamlet]].
  
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"As bitter as wormwood" is also a common expression.
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"As bitter as wormwood" is also a common expression.
  
−
Wormwood (''Apsinthos'' in the Greek text) is the "name of the star" in the [[Book of Revelation]] (8:11) (''kai to onoma tou asteros legetai ho Apsinthos'') that [[John the Evangelist]] envisions as cast by the angel and falling into the waters, making them undrinkably bitter. Outside the Book of Revelation, there are up to eight further references in the [[Bible]] showing that wormwood was a common herb of the area and its awful taste was known, as a drinkable preparation applied for specific reasons.
+
Wormwood (''Apsinthos'' in the Greek text) is the "name of the star" in the [[Book of Revelation]] (8:11) (''kai to onoma tou asteros legetai ho Apsinthos'') that [[John the Evangelist]] envisions as cast by the angel and falling into the waters, making them undrinkably bitter. Outside the Book of Revelation, there are up to eight further references in the [[Bible]] showing that wormwood was a common herb of the area and its awful taste was known, as a drinkable preparation applied for specific reasons.
  
−
The word [[Chernobyl]] properly refers to ''Artemisia vulgaris'' (Mugwort). Some authors claim the Chernobyl Disaster relates to the above sense of "Apsinthos", which is probably ''A. absinthum'' (Absinth Wormwood; see [[Chernobyl#Name origin|Chernobyl: Name origin]]).
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The word [[Chernobyl]] properly refers to ''Artemisia vulgaris'' (Mugwort). Some authors claim the Chernobyl Disaster relates to the above sense of "Apsinthos", which is probably ''A. absinthum'' (Absinth Wormwood; see [[Chernobyl#Name origin|Chernobyl: Name origin]]).
  
 
''Wormwood'' is a junior devil in ''[[The Screwtape Letters]]'', a novel by [[C. S. Lewis]] on human temptation. ''Miss Wormwood'' is the name of Calvin's teacher in ''[[Calvin and Hobbes]]'', a former daily comic strip by [[Bill Watterson]]. This character is [[fictional crossover|named after]] the ''Screwtape Letters'' character.
 
''Wormwood'' is a junior devil in ''[[The Screwtape Letters]]'', a novel by [[C. S. Lewis]] on human temptation. ''Miss Wormwood'' is the name of Calvin's teacher in ''[[Calvin and Hobbes]]'', a former daily comic strip by [[Bill Watterson]]. This character is [[fictional crossover|named after]] the ''Screwtape Letters'' character.
  
−
In Russian culture, the fact that Artemisia species are commonly used in medicine, and their bitter taste is associated with medicinal effects, has caused wormwood to be seen as a symbol for a "bitter truth" that must be accepted by a deluded (often self-deluded) person.  This symbol has acquired a particular poignancy in modern Russian poetry, which often deals with the loss of illusory beliefs in various ideologies.
+
In Russian culture, the fact that Artemisia species are commonly used in medicine, and their bitter taste is associated with medicinal effects, has caused wormwood to be seen as a symbol for a "bitter truth" that must be accepted by a deluded (often self-deluded) person.  This symbol has acquired a particular poignancy in modern Russian poetry, which often deals with the loss of illusory beliefs in various ideologies.
  
 
Artemisinin (from Chinese wormwood) is  the active ingredient in the anti-malarial combination therapy 'Coartem', produced by Novartis and the WHO.
 
Artemisinin (from Chinese wormwood) is  the active ingredient in the anti-malarial combination therapy 'Coartem', produced by Novartis and the WHO.

Revision as of 15:58, 25 January 2010


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Plant Characteristics
Cultivation
Scientific Names

Artemisia >


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Read about Artemisia in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

Artemisia (Artemisia, wife of Mausolus). Compositae. Wormwood. A large genus of aromatic and bitter herbs and small shrubs, mostly in the northern hemisphere, and most abundant in arid regions.

Leaves alternate, often dissected: heads small and mostly inconspicuous, numerous, and generally nodding, with yellow or whitish florets, wholly discoid, the involucre imbricated in several rows.

In the West, many of the species, particularly A. tridentata, are known as sage brush. Grown for their medicinal properties or for foliage effects. The drug product of the artemisias is large. A. Absinthium is the chief source of absinthe; A. Barrelieri, Bess., of Spain, is said to be used in the preparation of Algerian absinthe; A. Cina, Berger, of the Orient, is the source of santonica. The garden kinds are perennials and thrive in the most ordinary conditions, even in poor and dry soil. Propagation is mostly by division.


The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.



Artemisia
Artemisia dracunculus
Artemisia dracunculus
Plant Info
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Artemisia
L., 1753

Species
See text
Artemisia abrotanum (Southernwood)
Artemisia absinthium (Absinth Wormwood)
Artemisia alba
Artemisia 'Powys Castle'
Artemisia californica (California Sagebrush) leaves
Artemisia mauiensis (Maui Wormwood)
Artemisia pontica (Roman Wormwood)
Artemisia pycnocephala (Beach Sagewort) flowers
Dried Artemisia absinthium (Absinth Wormwood)
Artemisia absinthium (Absinth Wormwood)
Artemisia cina (Levant Wormseed)

Artemisia is a large, diverse genus of plants with between 200-400 species belonging to the daisy family Asteraceae. It comprises hardy herbs and shrubs known for their volatile oils. They grow in temperate climates of the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere, usually in dry or semi-dry habitats. The fern-like leaves of many species are covered with white hairs. Some botanists split the genus into several genera, but DNA analysis (Watson et al. 2002) does not support the maintenance of the genera Crossostephium, Filifolium, Neopallasia, Seriphidium, and Sphaeromeria; three other segregate genera Stilnolepis, Elachanthemum, and Kaschgaria are maintained by this evidence.

Common names used for several species include wormwood, mugwort, sagebrush and sagewort, while a few species have unique names, notably Tarragon A. dracunculus and Southernwood A. abrotanum. Occasionally some of the species are called sages, causing confusion with the Salvia sages in the family Lamiaceae.

Artemisia species are used as food plants by the larvae of a number of Lepidoptera species. See List of Lepidoptera that feed on Artemisia.

Selected species


Cultivation and uses

The aromatic leaves of many species of Artemisia are medicinal, and some are used for flavouring. Most species have an extremely bitter taste. A. dracunculus (Tarragon) is widely used as a herb, particularly important in French cuisine.

Artemisia absinthium (Absinth Wormwood) was used to repel fleas and moths, and in brewing (wormwood beer, wormwood wine). The aperitif vermouth (derived from the German word Wermut, "wormwood") is a wine flavored with aromatic herbs, but originally with wormwood. The highly poten t spirit absinthe, also contains wormwood. Wormwood has been used medicinally as a tonic, stomachic, febrifuge and anthelmintic.

Artemisia arborescens (Tree Wormwood, or Sheeba in Arabic) is a very bitter herb indigenous to the Middle East that is used in tea, usually with mint. It may have some hallucinogenic properties.

Within such religious practicies as Wicca, both Wormwood and Mugwort are believed to have multiple effects on the psychic abilities of the practitioner. Because of the power believed to be inherent in certain herbs of the genus Artemisia, many believers cultivate the plants in a "moon garden".

The beliefs surrounding this genus are founded upon the strong association between the herbs of the genus Artemisia and the moon goddess Artemis, who is believed to hold these powers. She is known also by Diana, Selene, and Pheobe. In Hellenistic culture, Artemis was a goddess of the hunt, and protector of the forest and children.

A few species are grown as ornamental plants, the fine-textured ones used for clipped bordering. All grow best in free-draining sandy soil, unfertilized, and in full sun.

Associations in human culture

The bitterness of the plant led to its use by wet-nurses for weaning infants from the breast, as in this speech by Shakespeare from Romeo and Juliet Act I, Scene 3:

Nurse: ...
And she [Juliet] was wean'd, – I never shall forget it, –
Of all the days of the year, upon that day:
For I had then laid wormwood to my dug,
...

Shakespeare also refers to wormwood in Hamlet.

"As bitter as wormwood" is also a common expression.

Wormwood (Apsinthos in the Greek text) is the "name of the star" in the Book of Revelation (8:11) (kai to onoma tou asteros legetai ho Apsinthos) that John the Evangelist envisions as cast by the angel and falling into the waters, making them undrinkably bitter. Outside the Book of Revelation, there are up to eight further references in the Bible showing that wormwood was a common herb of the area and its awful taste was known, as a drinkable preparation applied for specific reasons.

The word Chernobyl properly refers to Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort). Some authors claim the Chernobyl Disaster relates to the above sense of "Apsinthos", which is probably A. absinthum (Absinth Wormwood; see Chernobyl: Name origin).

Wormwood is a junior devil in The Screwtape Letters, a novel by C. S. Lewis on human temptation. Miss Wormwood is the name of Calvin's teacher in Calvin and Hobbes, a former daily comic strip by Bill Watterson. This character is named after the Screwtape Letters character.

In Russian culture, the fact that Artemisia species are commonly used in medicine, and their bitter taste is associated with medicinal effects, has caused wormwood to be seen as a symbol for a "bitter truth" that must be accepted by a deluded (often self-deluded) person. This symbol has acquired a particular poignancy in modern Russian poetry, which often deals with the loss of illusory beliefs in various ideologies.

Artemisinin (from Chinese wormwood) is the active ingredient in the anti-malarial combination therapy 'Coartem', produced by Novartis and the WHO.

References and external links

uropaea: Artemisia]

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