Wormwood Herb

Wormwood herb (Artemisia absinthium) is a traditional botanical used in flavoring absinthe and vermouth, prized by herbal enthusiasts for its bold, bitter profile and historical links to digestive wellness and natural remedies.

Features

• Botanical name: Artemisia absinthium (wormwood)
• Primary uses: flavoring for absinthe and vermouth; traditional herbal aid for digestion
• Active compounds: thujone (in essential oil), artemisinin, absinthin, and anabsinthin
• Safety notes: thujone can be poisonous in some exposures; wormwood products with thujone can be dangerous; avoid mixing with Artemisia herba-alba, mugwort, sweet Annie, wormseed, or ginger
• Form: herb used in culinary and herbal preparations

Benefits

Digestive support and comfort: wormwood has long been used to aid digestion and may help relieve certain digestive discomfort. Some small studies suggest potential pain relief with specific dosages over time, highlighting its traditional role in supporting gut function.

Anti-inflammatory potential: artemisinin, a compound found in wormwood, may help inhibit inflammatory cytokines. This inflammatory activity is linked to broader discussions about joint pain and inflammatory conditions.

Arthritis and immune considerations: some research indicates that wormwood-derived extracts can alleviate joint pain in inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and 2018 reviews note that Artemisia species can contribute to pain relief when used in herbal medicine. These findings are exploratory and not meant as a guaranteed treatment.

Safety and usage notes: wormwood contains thujone in its oil, which can pose risks at higher exposures. Do not use wormwood products with thujone indiscriminately, and avoid combining wormwood with related Artemisia species such as Artemisia herba-alba, mugwort, sweet Annie, wormseed, or ginger. This product is not a proven treatment for any disease, and there is no evidence supporting use against COVID-19.