The Magic of Artemesia Afra (Wilde Als): Herbal Healing, Dog Rinse & Garden Power
Artemesia Afra (Wilde Als / African Wormwood)
Artemesia Afra, also known as Wilde Als or African Wormwood, is an indigenous South African plant with a rich heritage of healing. Known for its soft, feathery silver-grey leaves and strong, sweet aroma, it’s as beautiful as it is beneficial.
🌿 Medicinal Properties & Traditional Uses
- Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic – used on sprains, wounds, rheumatic pain
- Digestive support – eases colic, appetite loss, intestinal worms
- Respiratory aid – used for coughs, bronchitis, sinus, whooping cough
- Mental wellbeing – traditionally valued for its mild antidepressant action
- Antimalarial – contains artemisinin, which is being studied for malaria treatment
"A rolled leaf inserted into the nostrils is an old folk remedy for unblocking sinuses. It works in minutes and brings fast relief."
Preparation methods: Wilde Als is smoked, sniffed, steeped into tea, used in enemas, poultices, body washes or vapour inhalations.
🧴 Topical Use & Beauty Benefits
Artemesia is a gentle yet potent herb for skin and body use:
- Wound care – Wash cuts and grazes with cooled tea
- Acne and boils – Apply as a compress or cleanser
- Pain relief poultice – Warmed leaves wrapped on swollen joints or stomach cramps
Earth & Thyme uses Wilde Als in our African Footprint Glycerine Soap range, infusing the leaves in sunlight for 4–6 weeks to preserve their goodness.
🌼 Home & Herbal Remedies
🐶 Dog Rinse for Ticks & Fleas
- ½ bucket boiling water
- 3 cups fresh Artemesia Afra leaves
- ½ bucket warm water
Pour boiling water over the leaves and let it cool. Strain, add warm water and use as a final rinse after shampooing your dogs.
🧴 4 Thieves Vinegar – Natural Body Rub
In a bucket mix:
- 4 cups vinegar (white or apple cider)
- ½ cup each of: Artemesia Afra, fresh lavender, fresh sage, fresh rosemary
Steep in a glass jar in the sun for 4 weeks, shaking and replacing herbs weekly. Strain and dilute 1:1 with water before using as an insect-repelling body spray or cleaner.
🌬 Winter Sinus Inhalant
- Handful of Artemesia Afra and eucalyptus leaves
- 20 whole cloves + 20 black peppercorns
- 5 drops each: eucalyptus, tea tree, and camphor oil
Mix all in a bowl and pack into 250 ml jars for easy steam inhalation when needed.
🌱 In the Garden
- Sprinkle powdered dry leaves under strawberries, lettuce, peppers and tomatoes to keep slugs and aphids away
- Use fresh sprigs in insect-repelling sprays or moth deterrent sachets
- Use cooled tea to clean carpets and keep fleas at bay
- Layer fresh mulch of Artemesia to protect plants from summer insect attacks
"Artemesia Afra is one of the oldest healing herbs in South Africa, still beloved for its gentle power across generations."
If you’d like more guidance on growing, harvesting or using Wilde Als in your DIY creations, we’re here to help!