The Daisy family (Asteraceae) is a large and varied family which can be loosely split into plants that looks like daisies, like dandelions or like thistles. Most are bitter with a range of culinary and medicinal uses. All the Asteraceae plants found here are daisy-like, with the exception is Salsify which looks like a large purple dandelion.

Artemisia is one genus within the Daisy family (Asteraceae) with divided fragrant leaves and tiny near-invisible flowers.

Southernwood

Southernwood (Artemisia abronatum) is a semi-evergreen hardy perennial from southern Europe with aromatic, finely divided leaves. Mainly used medicinally, the leaves make a bitter but aromatic vinegar to improve digestion. Traditionally used to expel threadworms and parasites, Southernwood is useful for treating coughs and bronchial catarrh. Its aromatic leaves can be used in wardrobes to protect clothes from moths. Due to strong essential oils, avoid taking any form of southernwood in pregnancy.

French tarragon

French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a culinary herb with a fiery flavour most famously used in Sauce Bearnaise. It is useful in all kinds of dishes – with chicken, veal, fish, stuffed tomatoes, rice dishes and creamy salad dressings but don’t overdo it! It makes a delicious aromatic vinegar. It is varyingly hardy, but will do well if it can avoid draughts and “wet feet” in a sunny well-drained position.

Mugwort

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a large vigorous perennial native to Ireland but rarely found in the south-west. The divided green leaves contrast strongly with the silvery underside. It was a sacred plant to the pre-Christian people of Ireland and became, once Christianity was established, on the Herbs of St John. It was considered strongly protective against evil spirits and witchcraft. It is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as moxa, burnt over acupuncture points to relieve imbalances. Medicinally it is used to regulate menstruation and in childbirth as well as being a bitter digestive calming nervine and for dispelling worms. Avoid in pregnancy.

Mugwort Saining Stick

Take several stalks of fresh mugwort and tie the bases together. Bend the stalks in half, then in half again and tightly bind into a dense leafy bundle with string. Leave to dry completely – best to hang the bundle in a dry area with good circulation for around 1 week. Once dry and crisp-feeling, the bundle can be lit to smoulder, and the aromatic smoke can be wafted around people or rooms to purify and clear energy and remove infective aerosols.