In one study in 40 adults with this condition, those taking a 500-mg wormwood supplement 3 times daily had fewer symptoms and a reduced need for steroids after 8 weeks, compared with those in a placebo group ( 19, 20). Its symptoms may include diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal cramps, and other digestive issues. Studies suggest that wormwood may help relieve Crohn’s disease, which is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. Prolonged inflammation is associated with several chronic diseases ( 18).Īrtemisinin is thought to inhibit cytokines, which are proteins secreted by your immune system that promote inflammation ( 18). May fight inflammationĪrtemisinin, another plant compound found in wormwood, may help fight inflammation in your body. Nonetheless, more research on this compound’s properties is needed. It acts as an antioxidant and is most concentrated in the essential oils of the plant’s pre-flowering stage ( 14).Īntioxidants like chamazulene may combat oxidative stress in your body, which is associated with cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and other ailments ( 14, 15, 16, 17). Boasts antioxidant propertiesīesides thujone, another notable wormwood compound is chamazulene. Thus, more comprehensive studies are necessary. Notably, animal and test-tube studies indicate that the herb may fight tapeworms and other parasites - though this research may not apply to humans ( 12, 13). Yet, the evidence for this specific application is largely anecdotal. This parasite-fighting property is attributed to thujone ( 4, 7). Wormwood has been used to treat intestinal worms as far back as Ancient Egypt. It should be noted that the plant itself should never be directly applied to the skin, as its compounds are too concentrated and can result in painful burns ( 11).Ĭurrently, there’s not enough research to determine whether teas or extracts of wormwood also reduce pain. All the same, it didn’t reduce stiffness ( 10). #WORMWOOD MUTINY PDF FREE SKIN#In a 4-week study in 90 adults with knee osteoarthritis, applying a 3% wormwood skin ointment 3 times daily helped improve both pain levels and physical function. Wormwood has long been sought for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties ( 4, 9, 10).įor example, this herb may help relieve osteoarthritis, a painful condition resulting from joint inflammation. Thus, its historical associations with these mental and physical conditions are not well understood ( 8). In addition to its use in absinthe and other spirits, wormwood has many applications in non-Western medicinal practices, including Traditional Chinese medicine.ĭespite absinthe’s reputation for causing hallucinations, sleeplessness, and convulsions, wormwood is not considered a hallucinogen ( 8).Īlthough the drink’s high alcohol and thujone contents may play a minor role in these effects, this has not been confirmed by formal research. Wormwood’s most notable plant compound is thujone, which has some benefits but can be toxic in excess. Thujone is thought to excite your brain by blocking gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that has calming effects on the central nervous system.Īlthough this compound may have several benefits, consuming thujone in excess is toxic and has been linked to seizures and even death ( 4). It’s also the primary active ingredient in wormwood ( 4). Although these differences are small, they’re meaningful because alpha-thujone is considered more toxic. This compound occurs in two forms - alpha- and beta-thujone, which differ at the molecular level. These formulations lack calories, vitamins, or minerals but contain numerous plant compounds, the best known of which is thujone ( 4, 5, 6, 7). Its oil is made from the stems and leaves of the plant, whereas an extract or tincture may use the entire plant ( 4). Wormwood is typically taken as an extract or tea. This article provides a detailed look at wormwood, reviewing its benefits and uses, dosage information, and potential downsides. It’s now legally available in the United States ( 2, 3). Long considered a hallucinogen and potential poison, wormwood was banned in the United States for nearly a century, from 1912 until 2007. It gained notoriety from its use in absinthe, a French liqueur that was a favorite of many 19th-century artists, including Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh - and purported to cause numerous adverse effects ( 2). All parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicinal practices for hundreds of years ( 1). It has velvety white or greenish-silver stems, yellow-green leaves, and bulbous flowers that are bright or pale yellow. While native to Europe, it grows readily across various climates, including parts of Asia, Africa, South America, and the United States. Wormwood ( Artemisia absinthium) is an herb that’s prized for its distinctive aroma, herbaceous flavor, and purported health benefits ( 1).
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