Wormwood (Artemisia 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.
Health Benefits of Wormwood
Digestive Support
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 also 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.
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.
Shopping For Quality Wormwood Supplements
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.
