Wormwood
Wormwood
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a species of Artemisia native to temperate regions of Eurasia and Northern Africa. It is known for its strong bitter taste and is a key ingredient in the spirit absinthe.
Pronunciation
Wormwood: /ˈwɜːmwʊd/
Etymology
The term "wormwood" comes from Middle English wormwode or wermode. The etymology of the word is derived from the Old English wermōd (compare with German Wermut). It is supposed that the word refers to the plant's efficiency as a cure for intestinal worms.
Description
Wormwood is a perennial plant that grows up to 1.2 meters tall, with silvery-green, serrated leaves. The plant produces small, yellow flowers in the summer. It is known for its strong, bitter taste and aromatic smell.
Uses
Wormwood has been used in traditional medicine for its potential therapeutic properties. It is believed to aid digestion, reduce fever, and treat liver diseases. It is also used in the production of absinthe, a highly alcoholic beverage.
Related Terms
- Artemisia: A large, diverse genus of plants with between 200 and 400 species belonging to the daisy family Asteraceae.
- Absinthe: An anise-flavoured spirit derived from botanicals, including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium, together with green anise, sweet fennel, and other medicinal and culinary herbs.
- Vermouth: A type of wine that's flavored with botanicals, and can be either sweet or dry. Its name comes from the French pronunciation of "Wermut," which is German for wormwood.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Wormwood
- Wikipedia's article - Wormwood
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