AFRICAN WORMWOOD INDIGENOUS

Artemisia afra Umhlonyane (Xhosa, Zulu); als, alsem, wilde als (Afrikaans) ORIGIN OF PLANT / HABITAT A. afra is a very common species in South Africa & its natural distribution extends northwards into tropical east Africa, as far north as Ethiopia. GROWTH This highly aromatic plant is an erect multi-stemmed perennial shrub of up to 2m in height. In cold regions the branches die back in winter but rapidly regenerate from the base. LEAF SHAPE The feathery leaves are finely divided & usually have a grayish-green colour. FLOWERS Flowers are borne along the branch ends. They are pale yellowish & inconspicuous. AROMA Characteristic aromatic leaves. PARTS USED The leaves are mainly used, but sometimes also the roots. CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS Volatile oil (cineole, a-thujone, B-thujone, camphor & borneol), terpenoids (of the eudesmadien- and germacratien types), as well as coumarins and acetylenes ACTIONS Decongestant & antibacterial effects of volatile oils are well known. In addition, narcotic, analgesic & antihistamine activity have been demonstrated in preliminary tests. CAUTIONS Toxic & hallucinogenic effects have been associated thujone, so that overdoses or continued use over long periods are potentially harmful. WARNING Toxic & hallucinogenic effects have been associated with thujone, so that overdoses or continued use over long periods are potentially harmful.

MEDICINAL
Internally Coughs, colds, influenza, fever, colic, headache, intestinal worms, womens complaints, toothache & earache

Externally Menstrual cramp, blocked nose, earache, toothache

COSMETIC
Some African tribes make a wash of the plant to treat skin complaints, & apply warmed leaves to draw pimples & boils. They also believe if a brew is drunk, it will cleanse the skin.

HOME
Used as a moth repellent. A bath of the herb will chase fleas off a dog. The leaves & roots produce a yellow natural plant dye for textiles. A liquid can be made to spray aphids & mites. Grow for a fast, temporary hedge. Grow near hen houses for protection against lice, near cabbage to deter cabbage butterfly & near fruit trees to keep away fruit tree moth.

ESSENTIAL OIL
The plant is rich in essential oils but is remarkably varied, with distinct regional & even local differences in the main compounds of the oil. Some plants produce almost pure eucalyptol, borneol, camphor or thujone, while others may have complex mixtures of monoterpenoids & sesquiterpenoids such as davanone and chrysanthenyl acetate. As a result, suitable clones are being developed for commercial cultivation.

HISTORICAL
One of the widely used traditional medicines in South Africa. Also one of the oldest & best known of all the indigenous medicines in South Africa, and has such diverse & multiple uses that it should be considered a significant tonic in its own right.

INFO REF: Van Wyk, B.; Van Oudtshoorn, B. & Gericke, N. 2000. Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Van Wyk, B. & Gericke, N. 2000. Peoples Plants: A guide to useful plants in Southern Africa. Brown, Deni. 2002. The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses. Roberts, M. 2000. A Z OF HERBS. SPECIMEN COLLECTED Eppie White garden DATE 04/2003