You may have heard wormwood mentioned in conjunction with absinthe, the green, highly alcoholic drink made popular during the 19th century and associated with famous (and often troubled) writers and artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway, Oscar Wilde, and Edgar Allan Poe. Habitual abuse of the drink was thought to cause absinthism, a much-hyped condition identified by hallucinations, sleeplessness, and other mental issues.
Thujone, one of the compounds found in wormwood, was believed to be responsible for these negative effects, but modern scientific methods have called this idea into question. Traditionally-produced absinthe may have an alcohol content up to 80% (160 proof!), and the production standards of the 19th century were notoriously lax. It’s more likely that absinthism was simply a fancy name for the effects of alcoholism combined with toxins from impure production methods.
After nearly a century, the prohibition of the drink was repealed and absinthe is enjoying a comeback. Absinthe is the most notorious use of wormwood in alcoholic beverages, but it’s not the only one. Wormwood is also used as a flavoring in vermouth and bitters.
Harmful organisms are a serious health concern in every country in the world, not only developing countries. Organisms of all sorts can contaminate food and water, causing health concerns in both people and animals. Wormwood contains several compounds, most notably artemisinin, that are resistant to harmful organisms. These compounds create an environment that is actively hostile to harmful organisms and discourages them from thriving.
Harmful organisms are not only a concern for humans, but they also affect livestock, too. And, the cost of pharmaceutical drugs that target harmful organisms is high. Wormwood may offer potential as studies suggest that wormwood extract may be a natural way to eliminate intestinal invaders in some types of livestock.
The benefits of wormwood are not limited to its effects on harmful organisms. Wormwood also contains compounds known to stimulate digestion by supporting liver and gallbladder function. The benefit is magnified when combined with other digestive herbs such as peppermint or ginger. Wormwood also supports healthy circulation and soothes irritation. Research also suggests that wormwood may even have neuroprotective properties.
Like many other plants, wormwood is a concentrated source of antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of wormwood supports its traditional use in Europe, which includes wound healing. Animal studies have even observed wormwood’s antioxidant action revitalize enzyme activity that had been decreased by lead exposure. The Yale University School of Medicine performed a study in which patients with digestive ailments were given either a placebo or an herbal blend containing wormwood for a ten-week period. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study observed that the patients who took the herbal blend reported improved mood and quality of life....<<<Read More>>>....