Centuries ago, the wormwood plant was offered to Artemis by ancient Greeks (The Roman Diana), the goddess of fertility. Of course, its notable effects on the uterus were the main reason for this fact.
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However, its appetizer and stomach healing properties have decisively contributed to the spread of this plant. Vermouth is a wormwood-based liquor since Wermuth is the German name for this plant.
In the 19th century, many remedies were used by trial and error, with absolutely no knowledge about their actual effects. Wormwood liquors, which were obtained from alcoholic cold extract, were thought of as a cure-all. These liquors spread to the point that there were many acute, chronic intoxications in France, even resulting in some deaths, such as the French poet Verlaine.
Today, we know that the wormwood plant contains toxic substances called tuyone, whose action is enhanced by alcohol since they dissolve pretty quickly. While in small doses it is stimulating, wormwood liquor, also known as absinthe, causes severe deterioration of the nervous system, addiction, hallucinations, convulsions, madness, and even death.
Absinthe is no longer used the way it used to be. However, there are alcoholic vermouths in whose composition the wormwood plant is still part. We advise against using these beverages since wormwood tuyones, enhanced by alcohol, are added to the widely known harmful effects of alcoholic beverages.
Wormwood Plant Scientific Facts
- Other names: Absinthe.
- French: Absinthe.
- Spanish: Ajenjo.
- Environment: The wormwood plant is common in mountainous areas of southern Europe, especially on roadsides and dry soils. It has been cultivated in the past.
- Description: The vivacious plant of the Compositae family, grows from 40 to 80 cm high. The whole plant is covered with fine hair, which gives it a silver appearance. Its yellow flowers grow in flower heads.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: Leaves and flower heads.
Healing Properties and Warnings
The use of the wormwood plant as a medicinal herb is free of the toxic effects of wormwood liquors. One of the reasons is that a robust bitter flavor will prevent a high intake of wormwood.
The plant contains bitter components (absinthine), an essential oil rich in tuyone, with vermifuge and emetic properties; however, it is toxic when taken in high doses, mineral salts (potassium nitrate), and tannins.
When correctly used, wormwood offers interesting medicinal properties, which are as follows:
- Gastric invigorator: The wormwood plant stimulates the stomach, increasing appetite and producing gastric juice like all bitter plants. It is thus recommended for people suffering from lack of appetite and dyspepsia (bloated stomach). However, it is not recommended for people who suffer from ulcers or those who have ruddy complexions since the increase in gastric juice is harmful to them. According to Font Quer, “wormwood must be taken only when needed.”
- Choleretic: Since wormwood increases bile secretions, it exerts a favorable action on the liver, reducing its congestion and stimulating its functioning. It is helpful for hepatic insufficiency and when convalescing from viral hepatitis.
- Powerful vermifuge: Adults manage to take wormwood reluctantly; however, children refuse to take it. Other remedies are better for children.
- Powerful emmenagogue: The wormwood plant acts on the uterus (womb), producing menstruation. Moreover, it normalizes menstrual cycles. It is thus recommended for pale, weak young women who usually suffer from painful and irregular menstruation. Avicenna, the outstanding 11th-century physician, prescribed wormwood “to calm sour, biliary women.” In external applications, the wormwood plant is used as an insecticide.
WARNING! Do not exceed the recommended doses. In high doses, tuyone has convulsive and neurotoxic properties; it causes convulsion, delirium, vertigo, and shaking.
WARNING! Women must abstain from wormwood since it is likely to have abortifacient properties. Breast-feeding women must also refrain from this plant because it is eliminated through milk and is harmful to babies. It is not recommended for people suffering from gastro-duodenal ulcers or gastritis.
How to use Wormwood
- Infusion with 10-20g of plant per liter of water. A spoonful of any of the following plants may be added to make it less sour: licorice, peppermint, or anise. For digestion disorders, drink one or two cups daily before meals. For menstrual disorders, drink two cups of infusion a day during the previous week to the expected date of menstruation.
- Cold extract with some 100g of dry flowers in one liter of olive oil. Steep for one month. A teaspoonful of this oil with an empty stomach and another before lunch will render relevant results for gall bladder afflictions.
- Insecticide: Wormwood infusion is a good insect killer. Pets and plants can be sprayed with it. As a lotion is applied to the skin, it repels mosquitoes. Dried wormwood in little bags among clothes repels moths efficiently.
Southernwood Plant Benefits
- Other names: Lad’s Love.
- French: Aurone, citronelle.
- Spanish: Abrotano macho, abrotano.
Southernwood is also known by the name of Lad’s Love (Artemisia abrotanum L.). It is not related to lavender cotton (though in Latin countries, they have similar names), which belongs to another botanical family. Southernwood is different from wormwood in that the former’s leaves are finer, and its aroma and flavor resemble that of lemon.
It has been widely cultivated in Europe as an aromatic and medicinal herb, and it is naturalized in North America. These are its applications:
- Scalp invigorator: A Southernwood plant infusion (30g per liter) is applied with a massage on the scalp to strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss. It is part of several shampoos and cosmetic preparations.
- Vermifuge: Expels intestinal parasites and eases menstruation. Southernwood contains tuyones, like wormwood, and can substitute the latter since it has a more pleasant taste. It is taken in infusions like wormwood (10-20g per liter) and with similar cautions.
- Moth repellent, and as a perfume for clothes, when putting bouquets inside the wardrobe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary health benefits?
This plant is renowned for its medicinal properties. Its main advantages to health include its antibacterial qualities, its history of use in traditional medicine to treat conditions like fever and parasite infections, its capacity to ease gastrointestinal troubles like bloating and indigestion, and its potential as a digestive aid.
How does wormwood aid in digestion?
It stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, which can enhance the breakdown of food in the stomach. It also promotes bile production, aiding in the digestion of fats. These actions improve digestion and alleviate symptoms like bloating and discomfort after meals.
Is there evidence supporting wormwood’s antimicrobial properties?
Can wormwood be used to treat parasitic infections?
Historically, it has been used to treat various parasitic infections, including roundworms and pinworms. Its constituents have demonstrated effectiveness against certain parasites in laboratory studies.
Does consuming wormwood pose any dangers or adverse effects?
The plant contains a high concentration of the neurotoxic chemical thujone, which can have adverse effects in large doses if consumed in excess. Nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and, in extreme circumstances, seizures are all possible side effects. It’s crucial to use this plant cautiously and in moderation.
Is wormwood beneficial for skin health?
Wounds, cuts, and insect bites are just some of the skin ailments that this plant has historically been applied topically to alleviate because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Applying diluted wormwood extract or infused oil to the skin may help promote wound healing and alleviate irritation.
Can wormwood aid in managing menstrual disorders?
According to particular traditional medicine, this plant can help normalize menstrual cycles and reduce period-related discomforts such as cramping and abnormal flow.
Does wormwood have potential anti-inflammatory effects?
Yes, the plant contains anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help reduce inflammation. This could benefit conditions such as arthritis, where inflammation significantly affects symptom severity.
Is wormwood safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid consuming this plant due to its potential toxicity, especially its high thujone content. Thujone can cross the placenta and may have adverse effects on fetal development. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid wormwood during pregnancy and lactation.
How should one incorporate wormwood into their health regimen?
This plant can be consumed in various forms, including teas, tinctures, capsules, or extracts. It’s essential to follow recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional before using wormwood, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications—additionally, always source wormwood products from reputable suppliers to ensure quality and safety.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 428,429. Print. [wormwood plant]
- Hussain, A., et al. (2018). Gastroprotective effect of Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injuries in rats. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 98, 645-655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2017.12.013
- Suleiman, M. M., et al. (2019). Artemisia absinthium: A comprehensive review on ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 244, 112074. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112074
- Singh, A., et al. (2017). Anti-bacterial activity of Artemisia absinthium against clinical isolates of β-lactamase producing and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 7(1), 9-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjtb.2016.09.017
- Sayyah, M., et al. (2013). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf essential oil of Laurus nobilis Linn. Pharmacognosy Research, 5(3), 169-172. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8490.112419
- World Health Organization. (2007). WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Volume 2. Geneva: World Health Organization.
- Al-Khalisy, R. M. H. A. (2012). The effect of Artemisia absinthium on menstrual bleeding and uterus of female rat. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 2(10), 99-102. https://doi.org/10.7324/JAPS.2012.21020
- Kordali, S., et al. (2005). Antifungal, phytotoxic and insecticidal properties of essential oil isolated from Turkish Artemisia absinthium L. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 33(2), 145-157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bse.2004.07.017
- Bora, K. S., & Sharma, A. (2011). The genus Artemisia: A comprehensive review. Pharmaceutical Biology, 49(1), 101-109. https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2010.497815
- Abolaji, A. O., et al. (2015). Subacute toxicity evaluation of aqueous leaf extract of Artemisia absinthium L. (Asteraceae) in rats. Toxicology Reports, 2, 365-370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2015.01.005
- Górniak, I., et al. (2016). Toxicity of absinthe: A review. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 305, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2016.06.026
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