Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail: Wanders on the Great Allegheny Passage | Flora

There are numerous species of artemisia worldwide, perhaps the best-known being Artemisia vulgaris, commonly known as mugwort; Artemisia absinthium, or wormwood, one of the main ingredients in the psychoactive alcoholic drink absinthe, long banned in the United States because of its alleged hallucinogenic properties but now once again legal; and Artemisia ludoviciana, or white sage, famous for its use in Native American smudging ceremonies.

The species that occurs in profusion along the GAP is probably Artemisia verlotiorum. A native of Eurasia, it was named after the brothers Jean Baptiste and Pierre Verlot, who in 1877 identified it as a different species from Artemisia vulgaris, although it has much the same medicinal and magical properties. The name of the genus is derived from Artemis, the Greek Goddess of the Moon. Paradoxically, Artemis is associated with both wild animals and the hunt (she and her twin brother are in Greek mythology credited with inventing the bow and arrow) and with childbirth and the care of children. She is often regarded as a protector of women in general. Her Roman form, Diana, is both the Goddess of the Hunt and the Protectress of Virginity.

The medicinal and magical lore involving the various species of artemisia around the world, including Artemisia verlotiorum, is vast. Known as the “Mother of Herbs”, artemisia is traditionally associated with women, and infusions, decoctions, and tinctures of artemisia leaves have been used to ease menstrual pain, aid childbirth, and support menopause. Both men and women have used artemisia to treat high blood pressure, improve circulation, and as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion. Apart from its medicinal qualities, a simple infusion of Artemisia sweetened with maple syrup is a flavorful substitute for tea when used in moderation.

The crushed leaves of artemisia have a very distinctive smell. Burned as incense, the dried leaves are famous in many cultures worldwide for dispelling negative energy and warding off malignant spirits and other malevolent entities, including hostile human beings. (Raccoons, it should be noted, are not repulsed by artemisia; despite their bandit-like masks and propensity for mischief and thievery they are essentially benign creatures.) Sachets of artemisia can also be worn around the neck or elsewhere on the body to repulse negative influences. Fresh leaves placed under a pillow while one is sleeping are said to prevent nightmares and encourage lucid dreaming. If GAPers do nothing else, they should crush a handful of leaves and breathe in its intriguing aroma.