Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Parts used: Herb and leaves

Properties

Alterative, anthelmintic, febrifuge, stomachic

Primary nutrients

Calcium, cobalt, manganese, potassium, sodium, tin, vitamins C and B-complex

Herbalists value wormwood as a stimulant to promote sweating and improve digestion.  It can expel worms and improve liver function.

Wormwood has been used for poor circulation, rheumatism, fevers, colds and jaundice.  Herbalists have also recommended wormwood for digestion, stomach acidity and constipation.  Wormwood may help stimulate sweating in cases of dry fevers.  It has also been used to expel worms, promote menstruation, stimulate uterine circulation, relieve menstrual cramps and as an insect repellent.  Wormwood can be used externally to reduce hair loss.  It is usually recommended to be used for only short periods of time and is not for children.

The anthelmintic activity of wormwood is thought to be due to lactones.  There may also be some antimalarial properties in wormwood.  There is evidence of the thujone content being able to stun roundworms, allowing them to be expelled through normal excretory functions.

People with seizure disorders and pregnant should not use wormwood.