Artemesia

There are many varieties of Artmesia grown for their decorative foliage, most of which are hardy and tolerant of dry conditions, some are deciduous and some are not. These bushy plants can be invasive and are often aromatic with a smell that is not always popular and can even repel insects. .

A common name used for certain varieties of Artmesia is "Wormwood." Wormwood is steeped in history as far back as the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. During the Middle Ages one medicinal use was to exterminate tapeworm in the human body, although it has been used for many things and still is to this day. The essential oil, which gives it its qualities, called "Terpene Thujone" is found in many other herbs including Tarragon and Corriander, is also said to give clarity of thought. In its pure natural form the oil is very poisonous, but is safe after it has been diluted and processed into the alcoholic drink known as "Absinthe" and you would die from alcoholic poisoning long before you could ingest enough poison to harm you

Artemesia Absinthium is the particular variety that is used, along with Anise and Fennel, to make the infamous drink that was banned in many countries in the early 1900's. USA banned the sale of Absinthe in 1912 and France in 1915. The psychological effects and toxicity were blamed for many social problems in France in a very similar way to that of Gin in the U.K. in earlier times. However, modern research has concluded that the psychological effects and toxicity of the drink were exaggerated and bans have been lifted in recent years for most countries. Oddly enough, Absinthe was never banned in the U.K. or Spain where production continued. Sales have rocketed since the 1990’s due mainly to imports from the Czech Republic. Although often called a liqueur, Absinthe, does not have extra sugar added and so is really a very strong green spirit.

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