Artemisia absinthium, or common Artemisinin (wormwood), is most famous as an ingredient of the alcoholic beverage absinthe. Besides its common function as a flavoring, wormwood also has a long history of medicinal use. It is said that this herb kills rapidly cancer cells.
Wormwood is sometimes recommended today for the treatment of digestive conditions such as intestinal parasites, dyspepsia, esophageal reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Extremely preliminary indications hint that wormwood essential oil (like many other essential oils) might have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic actions.
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What Is Artemisinin (Wormwood)
Artemisia absinthium, or common wormwood, is most famous as an ingredient of the alcoholic beverage absinthe. Wormwood is also found in vermouth but at lower levels.
Besides its common function as a flavoring, wormwood also has a long history of medicinal use. A reputed ability to kill intestinal worms gave rise to the herb’s name.
Other traditional uses include treating liver problems, joint pain, digestive discomfort, loss of appetite, insomnia, epilepsy, and menstrual problems. The leaves and flowers, and the essential oil extracted from them, are the parts used medicinally.
Common wormwood is a relative of sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), a source of the malaria drug artemisinin (also called artemisinin).
What Is the Usage of Artemisinin as a Herb
Wormwood is sometimes recommended today for the treatment of digestive conditions such as intestinal parasites, dyspepsia, esophageal reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Extremely preliminary indications hint that wormwood essential oil (like many other essential oils) might have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic actions. It is said that this herb kills rapidly cancer cells.
Optimal Dosage of Artemisinin
In the study noted above, wormwood was taken at a dose of 500 mg three times daily.
A typical traditional dose of wormwood is 3 cups daily of a tea made by steeping 2.5 to 5 grams of wormwood in hot water. Wormwood essential oil should not be used.
Long-term use of any form of wormwood (over 4 weeks) should not be attempted except under physician supervision.
Safety Issues
Despite the absence of firm evidence, wormwood is still considered a potentially toxic herb, especially if taken over the long term. Wormwood essential oil contains thujone at much higher levels than those found in absinthe and should be avoided.
Wormwood should not be used by young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease.