ENGLISH NAME: Southernwood
LATIN NAME: Artemisia
abrotanum
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Pelyněk brotaň
Turkey: Pekmez otu /
Güveyotu
Bulgaria: Храстовиден пелин (Limonena pelin)
Georgia: აბსინთი (Absinti) (used for artemisias generally)
COUNTRY: Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Thrace (Turkey),
Northern Bulgaria, South Moravia (Czechia), Kartli (Georgia)
Elevation: 200–1,200 meters
Terrain: Lowlands, dry
and sunny meadows, garden borders
DESCRIPTION:
Southernwood is characterized by its finely divided, feathery leaves that are
gray-green in color and emit a strong, pleasant fragrance when crushed. The
plant typically grows to about 3–4 feet tall and produces small, inconspicuous
yellow flowers in late summer. It is primarily valued for its aromatic and
ornamental properties.
USABLE PARTS: Leaf
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used for its aromatic effects. Believed to have mild sedative and
digestive properties and used in folk remedies to repel insects.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Excessive use may cause skin irritation or sensitivity in some individuals.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Can be combined with lavender or rosemary for calming potpourri blends.
PREPARATION:
Dry the leaves for use in potpourri, herbal sachets, or as a natural moth
repellent. Can also be made into infused oils or vinegar.
HARVEST TIME:
Summer, just before flowering, when the aromatic oil concentration is highest.
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut stems in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too
strong, to retain maximum fragrance.
CONSERVATION (STORAGE):
Dry the leaves and store them in sealed, airtight containers in a cool, dark
place for use in potpourri, herbal sachets, or other aromatic applications.