Aromas and tastes of artemisias
Photo: Arne Ader
Translation: Liis
Wormwood
Wormwood Koirohi Artemisia absinthium
The wormwood belongs to the Artemisias but differs from the others by its wholly white leaves and stems with felt-like hairs. Sea wormwood looks similar but in Estonia it only grows on the Saaremaa shores and is a protected species. It might be confused with the common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) but the leaves of the mugwort are green on top and whitish on the underside with felt-like hairs.
Artemisias are often dominating species in their habitats on the seashore and waste lands. They drive off other plants by secretion of substances that prevent the growth of other plants and block the germination of their seeds. To animals their strong and partly toxic smells are unacceptable.
Wormwood has been grown as a medicinal herb but it manages perfectly well on its own in nature. Crushing the plant between the fingers we feel the characteristic smell that reminds of absinthe or vermouth; in the manufacture of these beverages wormwood is used. On licking your fingers you can feel the bitter-pungent taste. Adherents of medical herbs use wormwood successfully for different cures.
Putting wormwood in your shoes for long journeys on foot is recommended in old sources, to drive off tiredness – the aroma of the plant has a stimulating effect.
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