Absinthe

Absinthe is a strong alcoholic beverage made from herbal extracts. It gains its name, distinctive bitter taste and reputation from the main herb 'wormwood' (Artemisia absintheium). Absinthe has changed through history from being a drink for the poor, a protection against Malaria and fever by soldiers, an aperitif for the rich and a inspirational drug for the creative. Apparently Pythagoras advised women to drink a absinthe-like extract during childbirth, and Hypocrates prescribed it for rheumatism, menstrual pains and anaemia. The list of influential artists who were partial is impressive: Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, Woody Allen, Rimbaud, Much and Strindberg to name but a few. Actually outlawed for a long time, it has steadily grown in popularity in recent years. Kylie Minogue recently made an attractive Green Fairy in the recent film 'Moulin Rouge'.