A plant from the mint family (genus Galeopsis) that resembles hemp in appearance, historically used in herbal medicine.
From 'hemp' plus 'wort' (Old English wyrt, meaning plant or herb). The '-wort' suffix commonly identified medicinal herbs, as in 'mugwort' or 'figwort,' based on perceived resemblance or use.
Hempwort was called 'hemp nettle' by herbalists because of its sting-like feel, yet it was actually used to treat stinging nettle rashes—a perfect example of how folk medicine sometimes used 'like cures like' logic that actually worked.
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