Wormwood

At a Glance

Common name

Wormwood

Scientific name

Artemisia absinthium

Family

Asteraceae

Region

Europe / Mediterranean

Plant part

Aerial parts

Caffeine

Caffeine Free

Evidence

Insufficient

Safety review

Safety information on file

Botanical Description

A tall perennial with deeply divided finely dissected silvery-gray-green feathery aromatic leaves and small nodding clusters of pale yellow flower heads; the aerial parts are used.

Also known as: Absinthe Wormwood, Green Ginger, Absinthe

Historical Background

Wormwood has been a European and Mediterranean bitter since antiquity, its aromatic silver leaves used to dispel worms and kindle digestion, and famously to flavor absinthe. Brewed in small doses as a digestive bitter, it is a potent, thujone-containing herb that demands respect and short, cautious use.

Earliest recorded uses: European, Egyptian, and Greco-Roman traditions since antiquity; a bitter digestive and worm-dispelling herb.

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Intensely bitter, aromatic, herbaceous, sage-like

Tea Preparation

Modern Evidence

Wormwood has a tradition as a bitter digestive and antiparasitic; preclinical work shows antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, but thujone is neurotoxic at high doses. Clinical evidence is insufficient; it is not a treatment for parasites, indigestion, or any disease, and its thujone content warrants small, short-term, cautious use.

Evidence levels describe the state of research for the traditional use discussed here, not a recommendation. Historical use does not imply effectiveness.