Artemisia indica

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, India.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Colouring Condiment Young leaves - cooked and eaten with barley[183]. The leaves are also pounded with steamed glutinous rice to give a flavour and colouring[177, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antiseptic Antispasmodic Dysentery Emmenagogue Expectorant Ophthalmic Stomachic Tonic The leaves and flowering stems are anthelmintic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, expectorant and stomachic[240, 272]. An infusion is used in the treatment of nervous and spasmodic affections, in asthma and in diseases of the brain[240, 272]. This infusion is also considered to be helpful in improving the appetite[272]. The juice of the plant is used in Nepal to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and abdominal pains[272]. It is used as an eyewash where it is said to relieve the burning sensation in conjunctivitis[272]. A paste of the plant is applied externally to treat wounds[272]. The roots are antiseptic and are a tonic for the kidneys[240, 266, 272].

Known Hazards

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[222].