ARTEMISIA WORMWOOD OIL

Absinthe
Absinthium
Ajenjo
Common Wormwood
Green Ginger
Madderwort
Old woman
Wormwood

Native to Europe, wormwood was called absintium by the Romans, what means "bitter". Wormwood leave's primary uses is to stimulate the gallbladder, help prevent and release stones, and to adjust digestive malfunctions. It also increases bile secretion and is useful in expelling intestinal worms. It is taken in small doses and sipped, the intensely bitter taste playing an important part in its therapeutic effect. In the past, wormwood was one of the main flavorings of vermouth (whose name derives from the German for wormwood).

MAIN PROPERTIES:

Aromatic bitter, stimulates secretion of bile,anti-inflammatory, eliminates worms, eases stomach pains, mild antidepressant.

 

 

Wormwood is a shrubby perennial herb with grayish-white stems covered with fine silky hairs, and growing from 1-3 feet tall. The leaves are silky, hairy and glandular with small resinous particles and yellowish-green in color. The plant emits an aromatic odor and yields a spicy, somewhat bitter taste. Wormwood is native to Europe, northern Africa and western Asia, but now extensively cultivated.

Parts used are the leaves and flowering tops (fresh and dried), harvested just before or during flowering. Wormwood has been used in the manufacture of vermouth. Sweet wormwood, another species (A. annua), is often grown as an ornamental, but contains an essential oil that has strong antifungal and antibacterial activities.

Recently chemists from the Division of Experimental Therapeutics, part of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington DC, have begun to conduct their own lengthy investigations into sweet wormwood's ability to reduce fevers by killing intestinal parasites causing them. The previously mentioned tincture may be used here for internal purposes. Using an eye-dropper, put 10 drops of tincture in with 1 tsp. of dark honey or blackstrap molasses. Mix well before eating. The honey or molasses helps to alleviate the bitter taste of the tincture.

Crush a handful of fresh wormwood leaves into a soggy pulp, then mix in with some apple cider vinegar. Next put a small amount of this wet mixture in a 6-inch square piece of gauze. Draw up the end comers together and tie at the top. Then rub the skin thoroughly with this to keep horseflies, mosquitoes and gnats away from you while outdoors. The same mixture can also be rubbed directly onto household pets to keep flies, fleas and ticks away from them.

A study published in a recent issue of Planta Medica points out that species of wormwood have been employed on a clinical basis for the treatment of hepatitis and to protect the liver from lesions produced by the ingestion of harmful chemicals. Another journal (Chern. Phann. Bulletin) noted that wormwood is an important remedy for treatment of jaundice and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). A tea might prove useful in these instances. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from the heat and add 4 tsp. leaves or tops. Cover and steep until slightly lukewarm. Drink in 1/2-cup amounts morning, noon and night on an empty stomach. Sweeten with a little pure maple syrup to allay some of the bitterness. Or take 2 capsules of the powder twice daily for these problems, but on an intermittent basis. Remember that wormwood is an herbal medication, as are goldenseal root, chaparral and some of the other medicinal herbs. And they should be used with care only when needed, and not taken indiscriminately.

Wormwood is a wonderful bitter tonic - in fact it is one of the most bitter herbs used in herbal medicine. Wormwood stimulates the appetite, and enhances digestion by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile from the liver and gallbladder and stimulating peristalsis. Wormwood can be used to expel worms, as its name suggests. Wormwood is an excellent remedy for those with weak, sluggish digestion, toxins and congestion in the gut, liver problems, those feeling run down and debilitated and during convalescence. The chamazulene in the volatile oil has an anti-inflammatory effect in the digestive tract.

Wormwood is a useful herb for treating fevers and infections. Wormwood boosts the immune system, detoxifies the body and clears heat and congestion. Wormwood can be taken in hot infusion (best mixed with mint to make it more palatable) for colds and flu, chronic fevers, food poisoning, catarrh, skin problems and arthritis. Throughout history wormwood has been a favourite herb used by women to stimulate uterine contractions during childbirth. Wormwood is particularly beneficial when the birth is slow in getting going and contractions are weak and ineffectual. Wormwood can also be used to bring on delayed or suppressed menstruation due to stagnation in the uterus, and for painful periods. Its diuretic action is useful for any fluid retention around period time.

PARTS USED
Aerial parts.

USES
Absinthe - Wormwood is the source of absinthe, an addictive and toxic drink favored in 19th- century France. Absinthe, now banned, was flavored with essential oil of wormwood, which, due to its thujone content, is toxic in excess.
Digestive stimulant Wormwood is an extremely useful medicine for those with weak and under active digestions. Wormwood increases stomach acid and bile production and therefore improves digestion and the absorption of nutrients, making it helpful for many conditions, including anemia. Wormwood also eases gas and bloating, and if the tincture is taken regularly, wormwood slowly strengthens the digestion and helps the body return to full vitality after a prolonged illness.
Worms - As its name suggests, wormwood is a traditional remedy for eliminating worms. Wormwood is moderately effective.
Traditional insect repellent - Wormwood is a good insecticide and insect repellent.
Other medical uses - The anti-inflammatory action of wormwood makes it useful for infections and it has occasionally been given an antidepressant.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION
Wormwood is a wayside plant, native to Europe. Wormwood now grows wild in central Asia and in eastern parts of the US. Wormwood is also cultivated in temperate regions worldwide. Wormwood is propagated from seed in spring or by dividing the roots in autumn. The aerial parts are harvested in late summer.

RESEARCH
Bitter herb - Research into wormwood, mostly during the 1970s, has established that a range of the constituents within the plant contributes to its medicinal activity. Many are very bitter, affecting the bitter taste receptors on the tongue, which sets off a reflex action, stimulating stomach and other digestive secretions.
Other research - The azulenes are anti-inflammatory. The sesquiterpene lactones have an antitumor effect and are strongly insecticidal. Thujone is a stimulant to the brain. It is safe in small doses but toxic in excess.

CONSTITUENTS
Wormwood contains volatile oil (inc. sesquiterpene lacrones and thujone), bitter principle, flavonoids, tannins, silica, antibiotic polyacetylenes, inulin, hydroxycoumarins.