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Home >
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Supplement Articles
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Supplement Articles |
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WORMWOOD
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Wormwood is very beneficial to both internal and external health conditions ... |
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WORMWOOD |
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Wormwood can be used
during a parasite
cleanse |
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Wormwood (Artemesia absinthium) is a tall bush whose characteristic odour makes it useful in the garden as a means of inhibiting weeds and pests such as insects and larvae. Many are familiar with its use in the bright green spirit called absinthe that is strictly regulated in North America due to its thujone content. Water extracts of wormwood will contain very little thujone. |
Digestion
It is primarily used for stimulating increased movement in the gastrointestinal tract and promoting the release of digestive juices. In the stomach increased digestive juices can stimulate appetite and help with indigestion. In the intestines increased bile and pancreatic juices can alleviate the heaviness that one feels after a large meal. It can improve the digestion of fats and proteins. At the level of the large intestine wormwood acts as a laxative by increasing gut motility, the speed at which the intestines push food and waste through. For more information on digestive bitters, please click here.
Anti-parasitic and Antimicrobial
Wormwood is often used as an aid in the treatment of parasitic infections as it can be used to flush the body of parasites that have already been killed by other herbs. Because of this it is often found in combination formulas for the treatment of parasitic infections. Wormwood has also been found to have antimicrobial acitivity, especially against Gram-positive bacteria, like Staph and Strep. Externally it has been used to heal wounds, ulcers, acne and insect bites.
How can I take wormwood?
Most wormwood supplements are made as encapsulated dried herb, a tincture of the same plant parts or loose dried herb. It is often found as a component of anti-parasitic and laxative formulas. When doing a parasite cleanse it is advisable to seek help from a health professional who can monitor your progress and decrease possible treatment side effects. The essential oil of wormwood is extremely toxic and should only be used under professional supervision. Wormwood is also commonly found in digestive bitter combinations. In order to help with digestion, bitter herbs must be tasted, like when you take in a tincture or tea. Encapsulated herbs are swallowed, thus bypassing the taste buds, and will not stimulate digestion. |
Wormwood –
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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Leaves, flowers, and aerial parts. |
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APPLICATIONS |
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Constipation, poor wound healing, parasitic infection, acne, skin ulcers. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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As a tea add two teaspoons of dried herb to one cup of water. As a capsule or tincture as directed on label. (Clinical doses may be higher as recommended by your practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Black walnut, fiber, activated charcoal, and digestive bitters. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
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Do not use wormwood for prolonged periods of time.
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Do not use wormwood in pregnancy or during breastfeeding.
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Use caution if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2012. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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