Wormwood

This highly aromatic and bitter medicine has a long history of use for treating intestinal parasites. Alongside its antibacterial properties, it is also used for treating reproductive, musculoskeletal, neurological and immunological conditions.

Wormwood has many benefits which can be applied in home herbalism; however, it should be used with some caution due to its potential toxicity as a result of the thujone content. In very large doses thujone can cause some serious side effects including convulsions (1). It is important to follow the recommended daily dosage range and check safety guidelines and contraindications before using this herb (2,3).

Wormwood has a rich history of use in herbal medicine to assist in the treatment of digestive disorders. As its name implies, it was traditionally used for eliminating intestinal parasites (3,4). This protocol however, is better achieved under the care of a clinical herbalist due to the safety concerns of taking this herb in the appropriate (higher) dosage range required to effectively treat parasitic infections (5).

It is rich in aromatic and bitter compounds which are responsible for its ability to stimulate the production of digestive fluids, thereby stimulating the appetite and absorption of nutrients (4). It can be used to treat mild gastrointestinal infections, dyspeptic complaints and acute constipation, particularly where low bile or stomach acid are the cause (5,6).

Its effects on the digestive system make it an excellent herb for convalescence. It encourages movement of blood to the periphery due to its diaphoretic, warming and circulatory action, whilst also enhancing the digestive function and nutrient absorption. These combined effects are far reaching and can amount to systemic improvements across multiple organ systems. 

Wormwood is uplifting and can help raise the spirits in depressive or lethargic mood states, helping to restore a sense of wellbeing, hope and vitality.

Wormwood can be used similarly to its relative mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) in helping women with reproductive conditions. It can effectively ease menstrual pain and helps to increase tone of the female productive organs (3).

Read further about Wormwood: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/wormwood/