An evergreen, highly aromatic shrub up to 60 cm tall with woody stems and velvety aromatic gray-green leaves.
Leaves.
Essential oils rich in thujone and other pungent aroma-chemical, also bitters, estrogenic compounds, phenolic acids, resin, and tannins, giving antiseptic, anti-fungal, antispasmodic, diuretic, and estrogen-balancing properties.
The leaves are not to be used medicinally during pregnancy, though they can be used as food flavoring.
Sparingly with pork, lamb and other strong meats, also in cheese dishes; with apple sauce.
A standard infusion of fresh/dried leaves helps colds, coughs, chest infections, and influenza. It can also stop excess sweating, which along with the estrogenic effect- makes it an excellent remedy during the menopause.