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What Is Wormwood, and How Is It Used?
What Is Wormwood, and How Is It Used?
An plant known as wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is valued for its unique fragrance, herbaceous taste, and alleged health advantages. (1Trusted Source).
Despite being a product of Europe, it thrives in a variety of temperatures and is also found in some regions of Asia, Africa, South America, and the United States.
It has bulbous blooms that are brilliant or light yellow, velvety white or greenish-silver stalks, and yellow-green foliage. Since hundreds of years ago, the entire plant has been utilized for medical purposes. (1Trusted Source).
It became well-known because it was used to make absinthe, a French liquor that many 19th-century artists enjoyed, including the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, and which was said to have numerous negative effects. (2Trusted Source).
Wormwood, long regarded as a hallucinogen and possible toxin, was prohibited in the US from 1912 to 2007 for nearly a century. It is currently lawfully accessible in the United States. (2Trusted Source, 3).
This paper examines wormwood in-depth, discussing its advantages and applications, dose details, and possible drawbacks.
substances and molecular characteristics
Wormwood is usually consumed as a beverage or extract. While an extract or tincture may use the complete plant, its oil is produced from the plant's stalks and foliage. (4Trusted Source).
The most well-known plant component in these formulas, thujone, is present despite the fact that they lack calories, vitamins, or nutrients. (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
Alpha- and beta-thujone, the two chemical versions of this substance, have different molecule structures. Despite the slight variations, alpha-thujone is thought to be more harmful, so these differences are significant. It serves as wormwood's main active component as well. (4Trusted Source).
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter with soothing effects on the central nervous system, is believed to be blocked by thujone, which then stimulates your brain.
Despite the fact that thujone may have a number of advantages, excessive consumption has been related to seizures and even mortality. (4Trusted Source).
Uses and advantages of wormwood
Wormwood has numerous uses in non-Western medical procedures, including Traditional Chinese medicine, in addition to its use in absinthe and other alcoholic beverages.
Wormwood is not regarded as a hallucinogen despite absinthe's notoriety for producing hallucinations, insomnia, and convulsions. (8Trusted Source).
Although the drink's high alcohol and thujone concentrations may have a small impact on these effects, formal study has not yet been able to corroborate this. As a result, its past connections to these psychological and physical states are unclear. (8Trusted Source).
possibly reducing discomfort
Wormwood's anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities have long made it popular. (4Trusted Source, 9, 10Trusted Source).
For instance, osteoarthritis, an excruciating condition brought on by joint inflammation, may be alleviated with the aid of this plant.
In a 4-week trial, three daily applications of a 3% wormwood skin ointment helped 90 people with knee osteoarthritis experience less discomfort and improved physical performance. However, it didn't lessen rigidity. (10Trusted Source).
The plant itself should never be applied directly to the skin as its chemicals are too concentrated and can cause uncomfortable blisters. (11Trusted Source).
There is currently insufficient data to say whether wormwood drinks or extracts also lessen discomfort.
Could combat parasitic infestations
Since Ancient Egypt, wormwood has been used to cure stomach worms. Thujone is thought to possess this ability to combat parasites. (4Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
However, the majority of the proof for this particular case is anecdotal.
Notably, studies on animals and in test tubes suggest that the plant may be able to combat tapeworms and other parasites, though these findings may not be applicable to people. (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).
Consequently, more extensive research is required.
Boasts anti-inflammatory qualities
Chamazulene is another noteworthy wormwood chemical in addition to thujone. It functions as an antioxidant and is primarily present in the plant's pre-flowering period essential oils. (14Trusted Source).
Antioxidants like chamazulene may help your body fight off reactive stress, which is linked to conditions like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and other illnesses. (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source).
However, more study on the characteristics of this substance is required.
Could reduce irritation
Another plant component found in wormwood called artemisinin may be able to reduce inflammation in your body. Long-term inflammation is linked to a number of persistent illnesses. (18Trusted Source).
It is believed that artemisinin inhibits cytokines, which are immune system-secreted proteins that cause inflammation. (18Trusted Source).
According to studies, wormwood may be useful in treating Crohn's disease, which is marked by inflammation of the intestinal system lining. Diarrhea, exhaustion, pains in the abdomen, and other digestive problems are a few of its possible signs.
A 500-mg wormwood supplement taken three times a day for eight weeks in one trial on 40 people with this disease resulted in fewer symptoms and a decreased need for drugs when compared to those taking a placebo. (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source).
Remember that more study is required.
Details on dosage and security
There are no established dosage recommendations for wormwood due to a dearth of study.
Various governing organizations have also imposed limitations on wormwood goods because its components can have toxic effects.
For instance, the European Union (EU) sets a standard of 0.23 mg of thujone per pound (0.5 mg/kg) for foods made with wormwood and 16 mg per pound (35 mg/kg) for alcoholic drinks like absinthe. (3, 21).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US limits the amount of thujone in market products to 10 parts per million (ppm) or less. Since this quantity is regarded as insignificant, most people can tolerate it. (3, 21, 22Trusted Source).
Remember that the FDA does not control wormwood preparations or tea. As a result, they are subject to these rules and hold a lot more
Warnings and potential negative consequences
Wormwood may be best avoided by vulnerable groups and those who have certain medical problems. These circumstances include:
Pregnancy.Wormwood should not be consumed while expectant as it may result in abortion. (23Trusted Source).
Infant nutrition and development.Due to a dearth of safety data, this plant should be avoided by pregnant women, nursing mothers, and kids.
Epilepsy. Brain stimulation from thujone has been linked to convulsions. Wormwood may also reduce the efficacy of popular anti-seizure drugs like primidone and gabapentin. (4Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source).
Heart disease. The combination of this plant and the anti-heart disease drug warfarin may result in intestinal hemorrhage. (25Trusted Source).
Kidney problems.Wormwood can raise your chance of kidney failure because it is toxic to the kidneys. (26Trusted Source, 27).
Certain allergies.Wormwood, a part of the same biological family as ragweed and marigolds, may cause a reaction if you have an allergy to Asteraceae plants.
Wormwood taken in large amounts can cause seizures, vertigo, vomiting, renal failure, and digestive problems. If you take it in tiny amounts, like those found in tea, you're less likely to experience these side effects. (26Trusted Source, 27).
Although the lethal dosage of this plant in people has not been determined, extremely high doses and other thujone-containing goods can be catastrophic. (28).
Additionally, if you apply it straight to your flesh, it can burn you. Make sure to only apply it directly as an ointment or moisturizer if you do. (29Trusted Source).
Finally, you shouldn't routinely consume wormwood for longer than 4 weeks. The herb's long-term safety and side effects are unclear, and this time frame is regarded as lengthy.
Wormwood formulations
Typically, desiccated wormwood stalks, leaves, and flowers are used to make tea. Additionally, the plant can occasionally be found in supplement and botanical blend form.
It is removed to create an essential oil, which is then diluted to create lotions or ointments for cutaneous application.
Online retailers offer desiccated wormwood, as well as its preparations, tinctures, and pill forms.
Remember that the FDA does not control these goods, so you should check the label for third-party proof. This indicates that the dietary supplement has undergone testing and is clear of impurities and secret components.
reputable testing facilities include USP, ConsumerLab.com, and NSF International.
To cultivate the shrub in your yard, you can buy it or its seeds.
The conclusion
Wormwood is an astringent plant that is commonly used to make absinthe.
The plant component thujone, though not a hallucinogen, can be poisonous and even deadly in high doses.
However, wormwood may have a number of advantages when used moderately. These include reducing discomfort as well as battling parasitic diseases and irritation.
Avoid using wormwood if you have epilepsy, are pregnant, nursing, or take any medicines.
As with any dietary supplement, you should consult your doctor before using wormwood, particularly since its long-term affects and precise dose recommendations are unknown.
Could combat parasitic infestations
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