Cina

European wormseed / Levant wormseed / Tartarian southernwood

Artemisia cina syn. A. maritima

Purportedly named after Artemisia, the queen of Persia in the 4th century BCE who was renowned for her botanical skills, this family of plants has been valued by many medicinal traditions, from ancient Roman to Chinese. Artemisia cina was identified as a remedy for intestinal worms by the ancient Greeks, and its active constituent, santonin, is still used in worm medicines. In 1829 Cina was proved by Hahnemann, who felt that the plant's "valuable curative properties" went well beyond its traditional role in herbalism.

Cina is typically perceived as a children's remedy, and is given for intestinal worms or muscle twitches, associated with great irritability when scolded or in discomfort. Those affected cannot bear to be touched, held, or even observed -  they often consider themselves ugly. Restlessness, a frantic state of mind, picking the nose, and grinding the teeth are typical symptoms in those for whom Cina is appropriate. Sleep is often fitful and plagued by night terrors. All symptoms may be worse at night.

These people may have an "anxiety of conscience," a groundless feeling of having done something wrong, which manifests itself as touchiness and obstinacy. They may be survivors of childhood abuse.

In addition to its primary use for worms, Cina has also been given to treat convulsions and seizures in children. Today it is still given as a treatment for worms, as well as for temper tantrums, violent coughing, muscle twitches, and sleep problems in children.

Parts Used

Dried, unopened flower heads, leaves.

Uses

Intestinal worms - worms evident in whitish-colored stools. Cutting, pinching pain is felt in the belly, which may be bloated. There is an urge to grind the teeth at night, and to pick the nose and scratch the rectum, which are both itchy. The appetite may be nonexistent, enormous, or changeable, with potential cravings for sweet foods. There is often intense irritability and great restlessness.

Temper tantrums - extreme irritability in children, especially chubby ones with variable appetites. Tantrums may be due to being scolded or to worms. Typical Cina symptoms such as teeth-grinding maybe present.

Coughs and colds - whooping cough or severe, gagging cough, with limb spasms before a coughing fit. The chest feels constricted, making breathing difficult. Speaking or sudden movement may trigger coughing. In children the body tends to stiffen prior to a coughing fit. Violent sneezing may cause pressure build-up in the head, and the nose may be alternately blocked and runny. There may be an urge to pick the nose, and nosebleeds often result. Intense ill-humor and irritability are often evident.

Twitching muscles - jerking muscles and spasms, especially in the hands and feet, associated with irritability. Cina is often used if twitching or convulsions are triggered by touch or by being scolded.

Sleep problems - difficulty in falling asleep, or restless sleep with twitching, jerking limbs.

Source

Native to a wide area ranging from the eastern Mediterranean to Siberia. This herb prefers semi-arid growing conditions.