Herb: Glacier Wormwood


Latin name: Artemisia glacialis


Family: Compositae



Medicinal use of Glacier Wormwood:

Glacier wormwood has similar medicinal properties to common wormwood, A, absinthum. It is used locally where it grows wild. The whole plant is digestive, expectorant, sedative and stomachic. An infusion of the herb has a marked effect upon mountain sickness. A poultice of the plant is used as a first-aid remedy in the treatment of wounds.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
18 cm
(7 inches)

Habitat of the herb:

Exposed rocky slopes in the Alps. Schistose rocks and screes, 2000 - 3100 metres.

Edible parts of Glacier Wormwood:

The herb is used as a flavouring in vermouth and liqueurs.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse, making sure that the compost does not dry out. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the young shoots when about10 - 15cm long, pot up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse or cold frame and plant them out when well rooted. Very easy.

Cultivation of Glacier Wormwood:

Exposed rocky slopes in the Alps. Schistose rocks and screes, 2000 - 3100 metres.

Known hazards of Artemisia glacialis:

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.