Wormwood - A powerful anti-parasitic herb from nature

Wormwood

Botanical Name

Artemisia absinthium. Synonyms: Artemisia absinthium var. insipida, Absinthium vulgare, Artemisia baldaccii, Artemisia inodora, Artemisia kulbadica, Artemisia rehan, Artemisia rhaetica

Common Name

Wormwood, common wormwood, absinthe, green ginger

Family

Asteraceae

Parts Used

Leaf and flowering tops

Native To

Europe, Asia, and North Africa

Harvesting Guidelines

The best time to harvest for bitter compounds is during full bloom in September, while essential oils peak in June and July. However, the leaves deteriorate in quality once the plant starts to bloom. The entire herb can be harvested by cutting at the base, or the leaves can be partially harvested in the spring, and the flowering branches in the summer. To preserve its medicinal quality, wormwood should be dried at room temperature, as essential oils deteriorate at temperatures above 95 °F (35 °C). Bitter compounds, on the other hand, are relatively stable after drying and storage.

Wormwood has long been imbued with mystical and magical significance across various cultures. In European folklore, it was used as a protective herb to ward off evil spirits and was often placed near doors or windows to ensure the safety of the home. In medieval times, it was believed to provide protection from nightmares and was hung in the bedroom to induce prophetic dreams.

Wormwood is deeply intertwined with alchemy and occult practices. Its most famous magical use is in the creation of absinthe, a potent spirit associated with the bohemian subculture of the late 19th century. Often called “the green fairy”, absinthe was believed to have mystical properties, enhancing creativity and opening the mind to new realms. It was particularly favored by famous artists and writers like Vincent van Gogh and Oscar Wilde.

In Greek mythology, the plant was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, who was associated with the hunt, wilderness, and the moon. It is said that Artemis used wormwood to cure a feverous plague in Selinus, Sicily. This connection to Artemis gives the plant its botanical name, Artemisia, symbolizing both healing and divine protection. Wormwood was believed to bring spiritual clarity and is often used in divination rituals to reveal hidden truths.

In Indigenous cultures, particularly among the Native American tribes, wormwood was used as a spiritual purifier in cleansing rituals. The plant was burned as incense during sacred ceremonies to purify the air and ward off negative energies. Additionally, it was believed to help with spiritual journeys, aiding individuals in connecting with the spirit world.

Medicinal Uses

Wormwood has a strong history of medicinal use, primarily for its digestive and anthelmintic properties. Known for its intensely bitter taste, wormwood stimulates the production of digestive juices, making it an effective remedy for dyspepsia (indigestion), gastritis, and other stomach issues. It has been used to help increase appetite and promote overall digestive health.

Historically, wormwood was used to treat intestinal worms (hence the name vermicidal), and scientific studies support its anthelmintic properties. In modern herbalism, it remains a go-to remedy for parasites and worms, as it helps expel these invaders from the body. In Uighur medicine, wormwood is also used to support liver health, enhancing bile production and preventing liver diseases.

Wormwood is also renowned for its role in treating fevers. It is a diaphoretic, meaning it induces sweating to help break a fever and expel toxins from the body. This property has made it a staple in treating various infections and respiratory issues, such as colds and the flu.

The plant's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have been studied in modern science, showing promise in treating conditions like Crohn’s disease. Double-blind placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated that wormwood can help prevent the recurrence of post-operative Crohn’s disease and even induce remission. It is also recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for its use in treating anorexia, atonic dyspepsia, and worm infestations.

Scientific Studies

Anthelmintic Activity: Studies have shown that wormwood is effective against parasites, with one animal study highlighting its ability to decrease the number of Syphacia parasite ova. Another study found that wormwood extract was a promising alternative to commercial anthelmintics for sheep, specifically targeting nematodes (Tariq et al., 2009).
Liver Health: Research in Uighur medicine suggests that wormwood has protective effects against acute liver injury. It may support liver health due to its antioxidative and immunomodulatory properties, which help detoxify and heal the liver (Hoffmann, 2003).
Crohn’s Disease: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Phytomedicine, wormwood demonstrated a steroid-sparing effect, showing its potential in reducing inflammation and inducing remission in individuals with Crohn's disease (Omer et al., 2007).
Digestive Support: A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine highlights wormwood’s role as a bitter tonic, stimulating appetite and improving overall digestion by enhancing gastric motility and digestive enzyme production (McMullen et al., 2015).

Adult Dose

Infusion: 1-1.5 g finely ground aerial parts in 150 mL boiling water, 2-3x/day.
Juice: 5 mL, 2x/day.
Powder: 0.76 g, 3x/day.
Tincture: 1-4 mL (1:1, 25%) 3x/day.

Safety:

While wormwood is generally considered safe when used in recommended doses, it is essential to follow proper guidelines due to its potency. Individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family should avoid wormwood. Additionally, people with gallstones, biliary disorders, or stomach hyperacidity should not use wormwood. Pregnant women should also avoid this herb, as it may cause uterine contractions. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or pre-existing conditions.

Actions

Anthelmintic,Antirheumatic,Antibacterial,Antiparasitic,Antipyretic,Bitter,Choleretic,Diaphoretic,Emmenagogue,Hepatic

Energy

Cooling,Drying,Warming

References:

References:

Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2000). Principles and practice of phytotherapy: Modern herbal medicine. Edinburgh, United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone.
Wright, C.W. (2002). Artemisia. London, United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis.
McMullen, M.K., Whitehouse, J.M., & Towell, A. (2015). Bitters: Time for a new paradigm. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/670504.
Omer, B., Krebs, S., Omer, H., & Noor, T.O. (2007). Steroid‐sparing effect of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) in Crohn's disease: A double‐blind placebo‐controlled study. Phytomedicine, 14, 87-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2007.01.001.
Tariq, K.A. (2009). Anthelmintic activity of extracts of Artemisia absinthium against ovine nematodes. Veterinary Parasitology, 160, 83-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.10.084.
Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. (2003). ESCOP monographs: The scientific foundation for herbal medicinal products. Stuttgart, Germany: Thieme.

tags:

Herbal medicine course

herbal school

wildpluk cursus

kruiden opleiding

geneeskrachtige planten

herborist

become a herbalist