Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Southernwood
The Herbs

(Artemisia abrotanum) P

Folk Names: Appleringie, Boy’s Love, Garde Robe, Lad’s Love, Maid’s Ruin, Old Man

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Powers: Love, Lust, Protection

Magical Uses: Southernwood is used in love spells, either carried or placed in the bedroom. Sometimes southernwood is placed beneath the bed to rouse lust in its occupants. Burned as an incense southernwood guards against trouble of all kinds, and the smoke drives away snakes.