h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Isn't Asphodel another name for Wormwood?
I know that Wormwood itself is poisonous, but now I'm wondering if it's taken in moderation if it's a Narcotic. Not for any nefarious purpose, just because the Asphodel Fields imply a dreamlike state.

Obviously, anyone who tries to experiment with any natural plants without A) Knowledge of how it would affect them, B) expert medical help, and C) a desire to possibly be unwell, would get everything they deserve. General Mucking Around with plants is not for the sane.

Perhaps someone with some medical and herbal background may be able to fill us in. I shall see what I can find out!

Hello

As far as I can tell asphodel isn't wormwood but is also known as King's Spear - and the Greeks did use it in medicines but I can't find what for. It would certainly make sense if it was a narcotic...

Thanks

Hello
It looks like my hopes are to be dashed.
Theres a site called Botanical.com http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/aspho080.html where it talks of using it for *immenstrual obstructions and as an antispasmodic* though this would imply that overconsumption would result in something of a soporific effect.
It also mentions being used for making Asphodel bread.

I also remember my source of confusion. In Harry Potter 1 Snape asks harry what is made by mixing Asphodel with Wormwood (or absynthe, or, so Im led to believe, *Chernobyl*...

Thanks