Artemisia | Wormwood
This herb is powerful for respiratory & digestive health but must be used carefully due to its strong effects.
African Wormwood or sagewood is a aromatic plant that is a thick bushy plant from 0.5 to 2 m tall and grows densely in what some describe as clumbs.
'Afra' Artemisia is the variant that is indigenous to Africa / South Africa.
Medicinal Uses- Treats malaria, headaches, intestinal worms, and boosts appetite.
- Inhaling steamed leaves helps with colds, coughs, sore throat, flu, and asthma.
- Essential oil is used in steamers for nasal congestion and in baths for menstrual pain & postpartum recovery.
- Harvested twice a year (midsummer & late summer/autumn).
- Flowering tops provide the highest oil yield & best quality (best harvested at early-mid flowering).
- Steam distillation produces a straw-colored, herbal, slightly camphor-like oil.
- Contains thujone (a potent compound also found in absinthe)—can be toxic in excess.
- Avoid long-term use (max 7–10 days) to prevent headaches & tremors.
- Not safe for pregnant women or epileptics due to thujone risks.