Hi there one and all.

I have some questions regarding the above. Artemisia absinthium, from what I have read, seems to have caused quite a stir and I am wondering, if any, what experiences members of this forum have had with the drug. I ask, because firstly, I ordered some from the Yard and looking on the internet I have found various warnings about using hot or boiling water (making an infusion pretty difficult)due to it releasing the absinthe - one such warning lablled it deadly. I figured the release of the absinthe was the whole point...?
Why would Neals yard and various other companies/organisations not include a warning to not use this herb internally if this was the case? I hope it isn't.
I also notice that some recipes state half a teaspoonful for a tea infusion (?) which is considerably less than I would use for other herbs.
Is it safe? Sure I know that absinthe can be a nightmare drink, in excess, I personally don't like it but what, if any, danger could be encountered using it as a simple infusion for a tea?
Many thanks for any replies in advance.

Briefly, I have been involved in the labelling of herbs for many years, but I would not wish to comment specifically on Neals Yard beyond saying that the owners are extremely attentive to ethical issues (see their "Sheepdrove" web site) and if you have any concerns it may be worth contacting them directly

As for the toxicity or otherwise of wormwood, - it's the thujone content that gets you in the end and plenty has been written about it since Dioscorides, but Stobart provides the comment that I like best:- "semi-medicinal drinks.....which, even if they do no direct harm, are guilty of putting off the evil day to a yet more evil one" So there is a certain irony in that one of the favourite medieval uses of the plant was to alleviate drunkeness. In fact conflating "Agnus Castus" with Macer gives the impression that wormwood will not only cure every nasty affliction you can come up with but dye your hair too.

This wide range of benefits and its association with Diana led to its names Artemisia and "Moderwort", and Macer goes into this in some detail. Artemisia's importance was such that Ferriolo entitled his 1995 commentary on Matteus Silvaticus "Mater Herbarum"

Why it should be the name of a star in the Bible, Rev 8 : 11 is a fascinating story in its own right, but sadly irrelevant to the original question

I'm always curious why people are drawn to a particular herb. How they think a herb can be helpful to them at a particular time or just wanting to know more about it.

I grew wormwood for several years, along with other artemesias - southernwood and mugwort. I wanted to get to know the plant - what it looked like, what it smelt like, when and how it flowered.

I have to admit that I didn't take it internally - mainly because, at the time, I only knew it as a herb could for shifting internal parasites and this wasn't something I was suffering from. It did have a wonderful scent and I could well imagine using it as a strewing herb, for repelling insects.

My interest in wormwood was piqued when I read how highly it was regarded by Juliette de Blairacli Levy. She used it as a digestive tonic and said it was much maligned.

There is no getting away from the fact that wormwood is a bitter -probably one of the most bitter herbs and only to be used in small quantities. Juliette includes it in recipes for medicinal, tonic wines, but only a couple of sprigs and only infused for two weeks.

So, what were you hoping to achieve from your wormwood tea, WestcountryStranger? If you were looking for something digestive, you're probably better off starting with dandelion and burdock. If you think you suffer with parasites, it would be best to get a stool sample checked to confirm what the problem is before you self-treat. If you're looking for mood-altering qualities, there are other herbs which may have the same effects but not the neurodegenerative properties. If you want to use it for insect/pest repellent, Juliet Levy suggests placing the dried herb around the plants to be protected.

Sarah

Hi and thanks for the replies Anthony and Sarah

Ah...the joys of informed choice.
I don't like Absinthe as a drink but I was, to be honest, looking for something along the mood altering side of things.
Having read about the neurodegenerative effects that this herb can have however I have decided not to use it - unless at some point in the future I can use it for the digestive tract, or for parasites.
It doesn't quite seem worth it given the warnings others have mentioned; coupled with your points here Sarah I've made up my mind.
Anyway, thanks again for the help - much appreciated.

WCS