Artemisia indica

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Artemisia indica is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Waste ground in central and southern Japan. The sides of paths and tracks, margins of cleared forests at elevations of 300 - 2500 metres in Nepal.

E. Asia - China, Japan, India.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked and eaten with barley. The leaves are also pounded with steamed glutinous rice to give a flavour and colouring.

Colouring: edible dyes

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 3

The leaves and flowering stems are anthelmintic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, expectorant and stomachic. An infusion is used in the treatment of nervous and spasmodic affections, in asthma and in diseases of the brain. This infusion is also considered to be helpful in improving the appetite. The juice of the plant is used in Nepal to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and abdominal pains. It is used as an eyewash where it is said to relieve the burning sensation in conjunctivitis. A paste of the plant is applied externally to treat wounds. The roots are antiseptic and are a tonic for the kidneys.

Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.

Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

The plant yields about 0.2% essential oil. This is a good larvicide and a feeble insecticide. The dried leaves and flowers are used as an incense.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Incense: Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.

Insecticide: Kills insects.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Easily grown in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a sunny position. Plants are annuals or short-lived perennials. Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow spring in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. The seed can also be sown in situ in late spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. asiatica. (Pampan.)Nakai. A. dubia. non Wallich. A. dubia orientalis. A. vulgaris indica.