ARTEMISIA VULGARIS 153 



stigma as in hermaphrodite flowers. Seeds of hermaphrodite 

 flowers quadrangular, crowned by one long awn, and the rudi- 

 ment of another. Seeds of ray flowers small and sometimes 

 flattened, 2 awns, of which one alone lengthens and becomes 

 conspicuous. Receptacle covered with concave scales. 



HABITAT. Grows along the shores of the sea and of rivers. 

 It is very well known. 



Artemisia vulgaris, L. (A. Indica, Willd.) 



NOM. VULG. Ka-Maria, Santa Maria, Tinisas, Tag. ; In- 

 dian Wormwood, Indo-Eng. 



USES. The native women use the infusion of its aromatic 

 leaves to induce menstruation. It is also used as an abortifa- 

 cient, but is too mild a uterine stimulant to be reliable for that 

 purpose. Its stomachic and tonic properties are common 

 knowledge in the Philippines. The Hindoos use it for those 

 effects and as an antispasmodic in amenorrhoea and hysteria. 

 Dr. Wight states that the leaves and tops are useful in nervous 

 troubles resulting from debility and that a decoction of them 

 makes a good fomentation for phagedenic ulcers. 



The infusion is prepared in the proportion of 10-30 grams 

 of leaves to 1 liter of water and the powdered leaves are given 

 in doses of 4-8 grams ; the aqueous extract 30-40 grams a day. 

 For amenorrhoea the drug is given daily for a week preceding 

 the menstrual date. 



BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION. A plant 3 high, stem straight, 

 woody, square toward ends of branches. Leaves alternate, 

 tomentose, decurrent, divided in several places, medium lanceo- 

 late. Flowers straw-colored, in axillary and terminal, 1 -ranked 

 spikes. Common calyx cylindrical, 2 circles of oval, scarious 

 leaflets around its border, 11 hermaphrodite disk-flowers and 

 about 5 pistillate ray-flowers. Hermaphrodite : Corolla bell- 

 shaped, 5 obtuse teeth ; stigmas 2, bent to the sides. Pistil- 

 late : Corolla diminutive, 5 toothlets ; anther none ; stigmas 2. 

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