Download STINKWEED by June Thomasson, PA-C Stinkweed is a local plant

STINKWEED by June Thomasson, PA-C
Stinkweed is a local plant that is known elsewhere by
many names, including wormwood and artemesia. Used
for skin ailments, stomach and female complaints, colds,
intestinal worms (hence one name) and repelling fleas, it
also can be used to flavor alcohol (bitters, vermouth, and
absinthe), Mexican food, and even as an aphrodisiac! Its
use was reported in papyruses dated 1600 B.C, in the
Bible as one of the bitter herbs of Passover, mentioned
by Shakespeare, and it has been traditionally used by
Athabascans, Yupiks and Inuit.
Often found near Interior waterways, sometimes near
roads, it grows in sandy or disturbed, dry ground.
Leaves are gray-green, irregularly lobed, and have a strong scent that many find
refreshing. The flowers are ball-like composites in clusters, dull in color. Around here,
the plants grow 1 to 2 and a half feet tall. This herb can be harvested any time of year,
even in the snow, if you know where to find it. As with harvesting any wild product,
make sure to leave much more than you take, so the plant can continue to flourish.
In the summer, an artemesia switch can be used to keep away mosquitoes and flies, and
the leaves rubbed on bites to speed resolution. It is helpful to have such a useful plant
available on wilderness trips.
Skin abrasions, minor infections, and sprains and bruises can be eased by poultices of
stinkweed or additions of the oil to a salve, and the herb is commonly used in saunas for
aching joints and muscles. There are reports of its benefits in healing precancerous skin
lesions. However, no scientific research has been done to validate any of these uses.
For colds, pour two cups of boiling water over 1/4th cup leaves (and flowers, if they’re
available). Let steep for five minutes, then sip mouthfuls of the tea throughout the day,
gargling before swallowing if your throat is sore. A poultice, made by macerating
(pounding or grinding) leaves, and applied to the area, is held in place with gauze or a
strip of a clean bed sheet.
The oil can be toxic in larger quantities; leaves used for a couple days as a tea for colds,
or short term topically (on the skin) should be safe. (Avoid if you are pregnant, breast
feeding, allergic to ragweed, daisies, etc., or take anti-seizure medication.) Absinthe has
been banned in many countries, including the US, because of toxicity to the kidneys and
the central nervous system.
Sources: Discovering Wild Plants: Alaska, Western Canada, the Northwest, by Janice
Schofield; Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.