Wormwood Quick Facts
Scientific Name: Artemisia absinthium
Other Names: Absinthium
Family: Artemisia
Origin: Eurasia and North Africa; Naturalized in Canada and the Northern United States
Benefits: Harmful organism cleansing
You may have heard wormwood mentioned in conjunction with absinthe
Absinthe is the green, highly alcoholic drink that became popular in the 19th century and is associated with famous, often troubled, writers and artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway, Oscar Wilde, and Edgar Allan Poe. Habitual abuse of absinthe was thought to cause a condition called absinthism, characterized by hallucinations, sleeplessness, and other mental issues.
Thujone, a compound found in wormwood, was believed to be responsible for these negative effects. However, modern science has questioned this idea. Traditional absinthe could have an alcohol content of up to 80% (160 proof!), and the production standards of the 19th century were notoriously lax. It’s more likely that absinthism was simply a fancy name for the effects of alcoholism combined with toxins from impure production methods.
After nearly a century, the prohibition of absinthe was repealed, and it is now enjoying a comeback. While absinthe is the most notorious use of wormwood in alcoholic beverages, it’s not the only one. Wormwood is also used as a flavoring in vermouth and bitters.
Although I don’t recommend consuming wormwood in the form of 160 proof alcohol, wormwood is a therapeutic herb with a history of use dating back to the early Roman era. Traditional Asian and European medicine have used wormwood and its extracts for various purposes, including cleansing the body of harmful organisms.
Wormwood and Harmful Organisms
Harmful organisms are a serious health concern worldwide, not just in developing countries. These organisms can contaminate food and water, causing health issues in both people and animals. Wormwood contains several compounds, most notably artemisinin, that are resistant to harmful organisms. These compounds create an environment that is hostile to harmful organisms, discouraging them from thriving.
Harmful organisms are not only a concern for humans but also affect livestock. The cost of pharmaceutical drugs targeting harmful organisms is high. Wormwood may offer potential as studies suggest that wormwood extract could be a natural way to eliminate intestinal invaders in some types of livestock.
Additional Benefits of Wormwood
The benefits of wormwood are not limited to its effects on harmful organisms. Wormwood contains compounds known to stimulate digestion by supporting liver and gallbladder function. This benefit is magnified when combined with other digestive herbs such as peppermint or ginger. Wormwood also supports healthy circulation and soothes irritation. Research suggests that wormwood may even have neuroprotective properties.
Like many other plants, wormwood is a concentrated source of antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of wormwood supports its traditional use in Europe, which includes wound healing. Animal studies have observed wormwood’s antioxidant action revitalizing enzyme activity that had been decreased by lead exposure.
The Yale University School of Medicine conducted a study where patients with digestive ailments were given either a placebo or an herbal blend containing wormwood for ten weeks. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that patients who took the herbal blend reported improved mood and quality of life.
Wormwood Side Effects and Precautions
While the notion of wormwood-induced absinthism has been discredited, there remains a possibility that thujone or another compound within wormwood could have potentially toxic effects. However, this is only true if consumed in extremely high quantities or if it interacts with medications or a preexisting condition. Generally, wormwood is safe for most people. However, as a precaution, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid wormwood. Due to its potency, do not take wormwood essential oil internally.
Tips for Growing Wormwood
Fresh wormwood can be hard to find in stores, but you can easily grow your own. Growing your own allows you to control the quality of the herb. Wormwood grows well, even in less-than-ideal conditions. It thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 9, meaning it can be grown almost anywhere in the United States. Once established, the herb requires minimal maintenance.
Wormwood can be grown from either seeds or seedlings. If starting from seeds, plant indoors first and transfer outside after sprouting. Plant seedlings after the last frost in spring in full sun. Wormwood prefers dry soil. Water occasionally, but don’t overdo it. Wormwood is not typically vulnerable to disease, but overwatering can lead to root rot.
Harvest wormwood in July or August on a dry day after the sun has evaporated all the moisture on the plant. To harvest, remove the upper green portion, leaving behind any lower stem parts and all insect-eaten, discolored, or damaged leaves.
Simple Wormwood Tea
Absinthe is not the best way to incorporate wormwood into your diet due to its high alcohol content. So, what’s the best way to consume wormwood? A simple tea is a common and effective way to take advantage of this herb. Wormwood is extremely bitter, so you’ll probably drink this for its therapeutic properties, not casual enjoyment.
Simply put ? to 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried wormwood leaves in a cup of hot, but not quite boiling, water. Steep for 4 or 5 minutes and strain. Don’t use more than a teaspoon per cup or let it steep for too long, as the tea may become too bitter to drink. You can sweeten the tea with stevia or raw organic honey, but it may only improve the flavor a little bit. You can also blend it with other herbal teas like peppermint or anise to improve the flavor.
Here’s a tip: after they cool, use the wormwood leaves as a poultice. Simply apply to wounds, rashes, or insect bites for natural relief.
Other Sources of Wormwood
If you can’t find wormwood leaves or can’t take the taste, supplementation is your next best option. Wormwood can be found as a standalone supplement or combined with other botanicals. One such product is Global Healing’s Paratrex. Paratrex is a blend of all-natural ingredients, including wormwood, formulated to promote the cleansing of harmful organisms. It’s a pure, natural, high-quality supplement from a company you can trust. As always, consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before starting a new supplement routine.
