Cina, Santonica

Artemisia cina

Physical Characteristics

Artemisia cina is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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 Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - Russia, Turkestan

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Digestive Febrifuge Homeopathy Vermifuge Cina is one of the safest and most reliable vermifuges, used especially on children[4]. Because of its bitter flavour, it is usually mixed with liquorice or some other pleasantly flavoured herb. The unexpanded floral heads and the seed contain the vermicide 'santonin'[4, 61, 171, 218]. This is an effective and rapid treatment for round worms, it is also effective for thread worms, though it does not affect tapeworms[4]. The plant is also used as a febrifuge and as an aid to the digestion[232]. Caution is advised in the use of this plant since it is poisonous in large doses[4]. This plant should not be used by pregnant women[254]. The dried flowers are used to make a homeopathic remedy[232]. This is particularly useful for complaints of the nervous system and the digestive tract[232]. A homeopathic remedy made from the plant is used to rid children of worms[238].

Known Hazards

Poisonous[4]. Skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people[222].