Today's Herb: Southernwood

Southernwood - Artemisia abrotanum
(lad's love, old man, crusader herb)

Description: Woody perennial shrub that grows up to 3
feet tall. Sprouts pungent grey-green feathery
leaves. Also bears inconspicuous yellow-green flowers
in late summer.

Uses: Use shoots and leaves that have been slowly
dried in the sun. Used medicinally as an infusion or
tincture to help regulate menstruation. Also useful
for antiseptic properties, and as an insect repellent.

Infusion: Used to prepare more delicate parts of plants. 3 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 1½ ounce of fresh herbs; pour the freshly boiled water over herbs in a pot, cover the pot and let the herbs steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 24 hours.

Tincture: A tincture is a good solution for long term treatment as will store for up to two years. 8 ounces of dried herb, 1½ cups of alcohol (grain alcohol like Everclear), and 4 cups of water; Chop your herbs up finely and put them in a glass jar with a good tight fitting lid. Pour the liquid over the herbs and tighten the lid. Keep the jar in a warm, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar every two days. After the two weeks, strain the liquid off through cheesecloth into a clean colored glass jar and store away from heat and direct sunlight.

Medicinal uses: antiseptic, moth repellent, menstruation

Used in spells relating to: aphrodisiac

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