Chinese: 艾草

English: Wormwood

Scientific Name:  Artemisia argyi

Part: Twig

Category: Plant

 

Wormwood is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but has been naturalized in many other parts of the world. The most commonly known species of wormwood is Artemisia absinthium, which is known for its use in the production of absinthe, a highly alcoholic beverage that was popular in Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

 

Wormwood plants typically have grayish-green leaves that are finely divided and have a strong, bitter aroma. The plants are often used in traditional medicine and herbal remedies for a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, fever, and menstrual pain. Wormwood oil, which is extracted from the plant, is also used in some perfumes and soaps.

 

While wormwood has a long history of medicinal use, it can also be toxic in large quantities. The plant contains a compound called thujone, which can cause seizures and other neurological symptoms if consumed in high doses. As a result, wormwood should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

 

In addition to its medicinal uses, wormwood has been used in some cultures as a natural dye for fabric. The leaves of the plant can produce a yellow or greenish-yellow dye, depending on the method of extraction and the type of fabric used.

 

艾草是一種多年生草本植物，原產於歐洲、亞洲和北非。最廣為人知的艾草品種是艾蒿，它以用於生產苦艾酒而聞名。苦艾酒是一種高度酒精飲料，在 19 世紀和 20 世紀初在歐洲流行。

 

艾草植物通常有細小的灰綠色葉子，帶強烈苦味。 這些植物通常用作治療各種疾病的傳統醫學和草藥，包括消化問題、發燒和月經痛。從植物提取的艾草油也用於香水和肥皂中。

 

雖然艾草具有悠久的藥用歷史，但大量使用時也可能有毒。這種植物含有一種叫做側柏酮的化合物，大量食用會導致癲癇發作和其他神經系統症狀。因此，艾草只能在醫生的指導下使用。

 

除了其藥用用途，艾草在某些文化中還用作織物的天然染料。植物的葉子可產生黃色或黃綠色染料，取決於提取方法和所用織物的類型。