Absinthe, a historical drink was made synonymous with the green fairy. In french, La Fee Verte.
The drink originated in Switzerland in the late 18th century and was originally a medicine but grew in popularity and was eventually served at many establishments.
Absinthe was poured into a glass. A special absinthe spoon was placed on the glass. On the spoon they put a sugar cube. Ice cold water was slowly dripped on the sugar cube until it dissolved in the drink. The drink was bright green, hence the name "Green Fairy" but would turn cloudy and almost iridescent, referred to as The Louche, which was even more beautiful.
So why do I tell you about Absinthe? One of the key components of this magical drink is Wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium).
Wormwood is a wonderful herb and is a legendary botanical that is the main ingredient in Absinthe. Its leaves contain thujone, an aromatic substance that gives Absinthe its character and reputation.
“After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. Finally, you see things as they really are, and that is the most horrible thing in the world.” Oscar Wilde
Yes, wormwood when taken internally in excess is a hallucinogenic.
Other properties of wormwood, besides being a dis-speller of worms as the name implies, is that it encourages lucid dreams. The mere essence and fragrance of the herb will cause your dreams to fill your sleep as they did when you were a child.
An Old Love Charm 'On St. Luke's Day, take marigold flowers, a sprig of marjoram, thyme, and a little Wormwood; dry them before a fire, rub them to powder; then sift it through a fine piece of lawn, and simmer it over a slow fire, adding a small quantity of virgin honey, and vinegar. Anoint yourself with this when you go to bed, saying the following lines three times, and you will dream of your partner "that is to be": "St. Luke, St. Luke, be kind to me, In dreams let me my true-love see.
Although you may not dream of your true-love, I can attests that you will indeed dream. The first night I slept with wormwood I had many dreams but I could not remember. On the second night again many dreams and by the third night they began to become more clear. Now I dream very pleasantly and can remember most of it.
I am putting together sachets and possibly small pillows that contain Wormwood, Lavender and Lemongrass. Place them in your pillow or at your bedside for relaxing sleep and sweet dreams. And, not to worry about the Green Fairy...
They will be available soon on my website. Just in time for Valentines Day!
