Abstract

ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM LINN (AFSANTEEN): A REVIEW

Syed Sabahat Ashraf*, Naquibul Islam, Arsheed Iqbal, Md. Sheeraz, Haider Ali Quraishi, Shameem Ahmad Rather

ABSTRACT

Artemisia absinthium linn (Afsanteen) is an aromatic, bitter, shrubby plant. This grows from 60 to 120 cm in height with a woody, hardy and high branched bearing stem. The Leaves of the plant, probably the best known species, have been used in medicines. The whole plant is an aromatic tonic and formerly enjoyed a high reputation in the debility of the digestive organs. It was also regarded as an anti-helminthic. Before the discovery of cinchona, it was largely used in intermittent but now a day it is mostly used on its own or in tea mixtures, for various digestive upsets, taken over a long period. However wormwood becomes habit-forming and will eventually cause serious brain damage. It is advisable to taken wormwood internally only under the supervision of qualified medical or herbal practitioner. Externally a decoction is used as a gargle and in compresses for bruises. Oil discovered from fresh plants is used in homeopathic tinctures. The flowering stems are used medicinally. The constituents include an essential oil with thujone and thujole, a bitter compound organic acids and tannins.

Keywords: Afsanteen, Artemisia absinthium, Afsanteen Vilayati.