Wormwood for the Ages
Used as a cure for worms in ancient Egypt, and to repel pests in Medieval times, wormwood has been recognized and used throughout the ages. Originally, the Artemisia family derived its name from the Greek Goddess Artemis, therefore noting the relationship with both the Greeks and Romans for the Goddess Diana.
In myth, it is said that Artemis gave it to the centaur Chiron, the healer of the gods, who uses it as one of his most potent healing herbs. It is also a sacred Druid herb and very holy to all Moon deities. It's earliest recorded uses are by the Assyrians in 600 B.C. It was also a very religious herb for the Hebrews and Greeks. The women of Mexico find it very important in their festival to the Goddess of Salt where they wear garlands of it on top of their heads.
Wormwood is well known for its use in the famous liquor Absinth, which is outlawed in most countries because of it potency. It has been used by many famous people such as Baudelaire and Van Gogh who was said to be under the influence of it when cutting off his ear and sending to the woman he loved. It is also used to flavor many other liquors such as Vermouth.
Medicinally, wormwood can help stomach problems, anemia, menstrual cramps, intestinal worms and inflammation, digestive problems, and liver disease. In large quantities this herb is toxic but its bitter taste helps to keep it in portion. In small doses, this herb can have a very calming effect, almost like a mild sedative. Externally, it is used to help in the healing process for small cuts and abrasions. Not only is it an insect repellant, but it also helps remedy the bites themselves. (As a side note, wormwood is to be taken in small doses. If you are not sure about the dosing, contact a professional.)
This herb also has many €eye opening€ qualities such as expanding psychic awareness, charging the third eye chakara, protection, binding, evocation, and used in some love spells. It is a very important sacred herb for Samhain, along with many other herbs. Burned as an incense, it is used to increase psychic abilities when divining and used to draw spirits when evocating. According to some folklore, if it is burned in a cemetery, the spirits of the dead will rise and speak. In other legends it says that if certain spirits of the dead smell the wormwood smoke, they will be released from this plane and can finally find eternal peace. When hung from the rear view mirror in a vehicle, it prevents motor accidents. Wormwood leaves are worn to protect a person from harm, both physically and metaphysically. This magnificent herb is also said to vent anger and to cease violent acts, fights, arguments, and negativity in general. It is often used with such herbs as mugwort, sandalwood, myrrh, and frankincense.
With so many uses in so many facets of life, one must be able to find a use to suit one's needs. Even if it is just to have this beautiful silver shrub in one's yard for decorative purposes or as an insect repellant, everyone can benefit from wormwood.
In myth, it is said that Artemis gave it to the centaur Chiron, the healer of the gods, who uses it as one of his most potent healing herbs. It is also a sacred Druid herb and very holy to all Moon deities. It's earliest recorded uses are by the Assyrians in 600 B.C. It was also a very religious herb for the Hebrews and Greeks. The women of Mexico find it very important in their festival to the Goddess of Salt where they wear garlands of it on top of their heads.
Wormwood is well known for its use in the famous liquor Absinth, which is outlawed in most countries because of it potency. It has been used by many famous people such as Baudelaire and Van Gogh who was said to be under the influence of it when cutting off his ear and sending to the woman he loved. It is also used to flavor many other liquors such as Vermouth.
Medicinally, wormwood can help stomach problems, anemia, menstrual cramps, intestinal worms and inflammation, digestive problems, and liver disease. In large quantities this herb is toxic but its bitter taste helps to keep it in portion. In small doses, this herb can have a very calming effect, almost like a mild sedative. Externally, it is used to help in the healing process for small cuts and abrasions. Not only is it an insect repellant, but it also helps remedy the bites themselves. (As a side note, wormwood is to be taken in small doses. If you are not sure about the dosing, contact a professional.)
This herb also has many €eye opening€ qualities such as expanding psychic awareness, charging the third eye chakara, protection, binding, evocation, and used in some love spells. It is a very important sacred herb for Samhain, along with many other herbs. Burned as an incense, it is used to increase psychic abilities when divining and used to draw spirits when evocating. According to some folklore, if it is burned in a cemetery, the spirits of the dead will rise and speak. In other legends it says that if certain spirits of the dead smell the wormwood smoke, they will be released from this plane and can finally find eternal peace. When hung from the rear view mirror in a vehicle, it prevents motor accidents. Wormwood leaves are worn to protect a person from harm, both physically and metaphysically. This magnificent herb is also said to vent anger and to cease violent acts, fights, arguments, and negativity in general. It is often used with such herbs as mugwort, sandalwood, myrrh, and frankincense.
With so many uses in so many facets of life, one must be able to find a use to suit one's needs. Even if it is just to have this beautiful silver shrub in one's yard for decorative purposes or as an insect repellant, everyone can benefit from wormwood.