Botanical Overview
Artemisia abrotanum, commonly known as Southernwood, Old Woman, or Warwood, is a member of the Asteraceae family. This herb is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and Western Asia. The primary parts used medicinally are the leaves and flowering tops.
Energetics
Southernwood has a warming temperature and drying moisture quality. Its taste profile includes bitter and pungent notes. The herb exhibits an ascending energetic directionality and is considered tonifying, primarily influencing the ‘qi’ aspect.
Primary Actions
- Aromatic
- Bitter
- Carminative
- Stimulant
Indications
Western
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Flatulence
- Cold digestive conditions
- Nervous exhaustion
Syndromes
- Dyspepsia
- Anorexia
- Catarrh
- Neurasthenia
TCM
No documented traditional Chinese medicine indications.
Ayurveda
No documented Ayurvedic indications.
Unani
No documented Unani indications.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include essential oils, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and coumarins which contribute to its aromatic, digestive stimulant, and mild antimicrobial effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 2-4 g of leaf or flowering tops once or twice daily
- Tincture: 1:5 ratio in 40% ethanol, 2-5 mL taken 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Use caution in individuals allergic to the Asteraceae family. Avoid use during pregnancy due to limited safety data. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised with other stimulants. Toxicity is low in normal medicinal doses.
Astrological Correspondences
Southernwood is traditionally associated with the planet Mars and the element Fire, reflecting its stimulating and warming energetic properties.
Selected References
- Medicinal Plants of the British Isles
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) Herbal Monograph – Artemisia genus
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd edition
- The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal
- Astrology and Herbal Medicine – Planetary Herbal Correspondences