What Is Wormwood?
Wormwood, Artemisia Absinthium has been used for centuries as a moth repellant, general pesticide and as a tea/spray to repel slugs and snails. Before its' toxicity was known it was used as the name implies: a worming medicine for people and animals. Historic references to wormwood go back as far as 1600 B.C. in Egypt. Roman wormwood is less toxic and is used to flavor the drinks Vermouth and Campari. A sachet made of wormwood leaves will keep moths at bay.
Wormwood leaves contain absinthin a substance which can be toxic to other plants. You may have heard of the alcoholic drink "absinthe" a green colored beverage that is now illegal in most countries. And rightfully so as it has been said that the painter Vincent van Gogh was imbibing of absinthe when he lopped off his ear to send to a woman.
We offer only our own experience in using wormwood tea as an insect spray and suggest that you use it with caution until you see how it works for you. For best results spray directly on the target insects or use dried wormwood cuttings spread on the soil in the garden. Don't use wormwood tea on edible plants, use only on ornamental plants. Dried worm wood sprigs may be used in the garden as a scent deterrent. Wormwoods are toxic so must not be ingested.
To Make Wormwood Tea
- 8 ounces wormwood leaves
- 4 pints of water
- 1 teaspoon castile soap
Effective against: Aphids, caterpillars, flea beetles and moths.
Putting dried sprigs of wormwood in the garden along side carrots
and onions will mask their scent, confusing insects in particular the
carrot rust fly. The dried wormwood will not have the growth inhibiting
effects of the fresh herb.
Wormwood History & Use
Roman wormwood is less toxic and is used to flavor the drinks Vermouth and Campari. A sachet made of wormwood leaves will keep moths at bay. Did you know that the delectable herb tarragon is of the artemisia genus? Artemisia has a colorful and rather dubious history: Artemisia was the wife and sister (yes, that is correct) of the Greek/Persian King Mausolous from which we get the word mausoleum. The genus artemisia was named after her and includes over 400 plants. Artemisia was a botanist and medical researcher.
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