HERBS. 399 
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)---see also page 16—has 
been grown in the herb garden for many years past because 
of its benefit, when judiciously used, as a nervine tonic, 
particularly helpful against the falling sickness, and _ for 
flatulent indigestion. The extremely bitter taste of this herb 
has given it a name—‘‘a” negative, psinthos, delight, 
because of its being nauseous to a distressing degree. 
Wormwood tea will serve to relieve bilious melancholia, and 
will help to dispel the yellow hue of jaundice from the skin. 
The characteristic odour of the herb is due to a volatile oil which 
consists mainly of ‘‘ absinthol; and the intensely bitter taste 
resides in its “absinthin.”” The plant also contains tannin, 
resin, starch, with succinic, malic, and acetic acids, together 
with nitrate of potash, and other salts. In some districts it is 
popularly known as ‘‘ Green Ginger.’ The leaves of Wormwood 
resist putrefaction, and therefore help to make capital antiseptic 
fomentations. Gerarde says: ‘‘ The plant voideth away the 
worms, not only taken inwardly, but applied outwardly; it 
withstandeth all putrefactions and is good against the stinking 
breath.” For making Wormwood tea, an ounce oi the plant 
should be infused for ten, or twelve minutes in a pint of boiling 
water, and then a wineglassful be given at a time for a dose. 
Absinthe, a liqueur concocted mainly from Wormwood, is used 
largely in France, but with mischievous results through infatuated 
excess ; yet curative virtues attend its judicious administration. 
“* These for frenzy be 
A speedy and a sovereign remedy : 
The bitter wormwood, sage, and marigold.” 
Fiercuer, Faith{ul Shepherdess. 
In the words of Bergius, “‘ Wormwood is antiputredinosa, 
antacida, anthelmintica, resolvens, tonica, stomachica.” Tusser, 
in his simple, homely rhyme, has expressed this notion thus :— 
‘* What savour is better, if physic be true, 
For places infected than Wormwood and Rue ? 
It is as a comfort for heart, and for brain, 
And therefore to have it, this is not in vain.” 
Dioscorides affirmed that Wormwood is a preventive of intoxica- 
tion, and an antidote against its ill-effects ; indeed, the “ Poculum 
absinthiatum”’ has long been a favourite beverage. The leaves 
and tops were infused in ale, and then formed a favourite liquor 
