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SOUTHERNWOOD (Field) ARTEMISIA CAMPESTRIS It is good in hysteric cases. . . and worthy of more esteem than it has. A perennial, also known as Field Wormwood, it grows to about three feet (90 cm). The stalks are shrubby and branching. The leaves are grey-green and the small brown-yellow flowers appear in thick spikes at the top of the branches. Where to find it. Heathland and by roadsides. Flowering time: Midsummer. Astrology: A mercurial plant. Medicinal virtues.. A powerful diuretic. The best way of using it is in a conserve made of the fresh tops, beaten up with twice their weight of sugar. Cut four ounces (110 g) of the leaves, beat them in a mortar with six ounces ( 170 g) of sugar till a paste is made. Take a piece of this about the size of a Nutmeg three times a day, It is a pleasant medicine and always disposes to sleep. Modern uses: This plant has similar properties to Southernwood, but is not so strong in its action. |