African Wormwood Essential Oil (Wilde Als) | Pure Indigenous

AFRICAN WORMWOOD

Latin Name: Artemisia Afra

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Family: Asteraceae​ 

Common Indigenous Names: Zengana (S Sotho), Lengana (Tswana), Umhlonyane (Xhosa), Mhlonyane (Zulu),  Wildeals, Alsem  (Afrikaans).

Plant: This soft aromatic multi-stemmed perennial shrub, with its soft greyish-green feathery leaves, is indigenous to the mountainous regions of South Africa and derives its name from the Greek goddess Artemis. 

Uses: One of the most well known and commonly used healing plants. With its antimicrobial and anti oxidative properties the leaves have been used to treat a broad range of ailments, ranging from coughs, colds, flu, fever, headaches; to gastritis, indigestion, flatulence, colic, poor appetite, intestinal worms, constipation and gout. The vapour, from the oil added to hot water, is inhaled to clear blocked nasal passages and ease a tight chest. It is widely used as a moth repellent and a natural insecticide spray. 

Quirky Indigenous Uses:

• Leaves in socks for sweaty feet

• Condiment with supposed magical properties

• Used as a love charm