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 might have heard of wormwood in connection with absinthe, the famous green, highly alcoholic drink that gained popularity in the 19th century. It’s often linked with well-known and often troubled writers and artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway, Oscar Wilde, and Edgar Allan Poe. People thought that chronic abuse of absinthe caused a condition called absinthism, characterized by hallucinations, sleeplessness, and other mental problems.
Thujone, a compound in wormwood, was blamed for these negative effects. However, modern science has cast doubt on this belief. Absinthe of the 19th century could have an alcohol content of up to 80% (160 proof!), and production standards back then were notoriously poor. It’s more likely that absinthism was just a fancy term for the combined effects of alcoholism and toxins from impure production methods.
After nearly a century of being banned, absinthe is making a comeback. While it’s the most famous use of wormwood in alcoholic drinks, it’s not the only one. Wormwood is also used as a flavoring in vermouth and bitters.
Although consuming wormwood in 160 proof alcohol isn’t advisable, the herb itself has therapeutic benefits. Its use dates back to early Roman times. 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 health concern worldwide, not just in developing countries. These organisms can contaminate food and water, affecting both people and animals. Wormwood contains several compounds, most notably artemisinin, that are effective against these harmful organisms. These compounds create an environment that’s hostile to harmful organisms and discourage them from thriving.
Harmful organisms don’t just affect humans; they impact livestock too. The cost of pharmaceutical drugs to target these organisms is high. Wormwood might offer a natural alternative, as studies suggest that wormwood extract can help eliminate intestinal invaders in some types of livestock.
Additional Benefits of Wormwood
Wormwood’s benefits go beyond its effects on harmful organisms. It also contains compounds that stimulate digestion by supporting liver and gallbladder function. The benefit is even greater when combined with other digestive herbs like peppermint or ginger. Wormwood also promotes healthy circulation and soothes irritation. Research suggests it may have neuroprotective properties as well.
Wormwood is a concentrated source of antioxidants, which supports its traditional use in Europe for wound healing. Animal studies have shown that wormwood’s antioxidant activity can revitalize enzyme activity decreased by lead exposure. A study by Yale University School of Medicine gave patients with digestive ailments either a placebo or an herbal blend containing wormwood for ten weeks. The double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that those who took the herbal blend reported improved mood and quality of life.
Wormwood Side Effects and Precautions
While the idea of wormwood-induced absinthism has been discredited, there’s still a possibility that thujone or another compound in wormwood could be toxic if consumed in extremely high quantities or if it interacts with medications or preexisting conditions. Generally, wormwood is safe for most people. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it. Due to its potency, don’t 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 has the added benefit of allowing 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 them indoors first and transfer them outside after they sprout. Plant seedlings after the last frost in spring in full sun. Wormwood prefers dry soil. Water occasionally, but don’t overdo it. The plant is generally not vulnerable to disease, but overwatering can cause 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 isn’t the best way to incorporate wormwood into your diet due to its extremely high alcohol content, which more than cancels out any potential benefits of the herb. So, what’s a better alternative to consume wormwood? A simple tea is an effective and common way to use this herb. Keep in mind that wormwood is extremely bitter, so you’ll likely drink it for its therapeutic benefits rather than for enjoyment.
To make the tea, put ? to 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried wormwood leaves in a cup of hot, but not boiling, water. Let it steep for 4 or 5 minutes and then strain. Don’t use more than a teaspoon per cup or steep it for too long, or the tea may become too bitter to drink. You can try to sweeten it with stevia or raw organic honey, but it may only improve the flavor slightly. Blending it with other herbal teas like peppermint or anise can also help with the taste.
Here’s a tip: after they cool, you can 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 tolerate the taste, supplementation is a good alternative. Wormwood supplements are available either as standalone products or combined with other botanicals. One such product is Paratrex, a blend of all-natural ingredients, including wormwood, formulated to help cleanse harmful organisms.
As always, consult your trusted health care practitioner before starting any new supplement routine.
