Evidence supporting the use of: Southernwood
For the health condition: Insect Repellant

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) has a long history of traditional use as an insect repellent. In European folk practices, especially in the Mediterranean and British Isles, southernwood was commonly placed in wardrobes, bedding, and even carried in pockets or bouquets to deter moths, fleas, and other insects. The plant’s aromatic leaves contain volatile oils—such as camphor, cineole, and thujone—which are believed to mask scents that attract insects or directly repel them. While modern scientific studies on southernwood’s efficacy as an insect repellent are limited, the traditional use is well-documented in herbal literature and ethnobotanical records. Several related species in the Artemisia genus have demonstrated insect-repelling properties in laboratory settings, but direct empirical evidence for southernwood is lacking. Thus, its use as an insect repellent is primarily justified by tradition, supported by the presence of volatile compounds known to have repellent effects, and by centuries of consistent ethnobotanical use. However, without robust contemporary studies, the evidence rating is moderate rather than strong.

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Products containing Southernwood

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