Artemisia absinthium

Common Name: Wormwood

Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)

Parts used: Leaf

Constituents: Volatile oils (thujone), sesquiterpene lactones (absinthin), lignans

Taste/smell: Bitter

Tendencies: Cooling

Actions

• Bitter digestive stimulant/Carminative

• Antimicrobial

• Antiparasitic/Anthelmintic/Vermifuge

• Antidepressant

Uses

Bitter digestive stimulant/Carminative:

• Hypochlorhydria

• Non-ulcer dyspepsia

• Maldigestion

• Anorexia

Antiparasitic/Anthelmintic/Vermifuge:

• Intestinal worms, especially roundworm and pinworm

Antidepressant:

• Depression

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and lactation

• Large internal doses

• Active peptic ulcers (particularly duodenal ulcers

• Gastritis

• Hyperchlorhydria

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Biliary obstruction

• Acute diarrhea

• Acute cholelithiasis

• Long-term use or excessive doses of the seeds can cause UTIs (urinary tract infections)

• Allergic hypersensitivity to Asteraceae family (i.e. arnica, chamomile, feverfew, ragweed, tansy, yarrow)

Adverse Effects

• None with small doses

Toxicity

• Abortion

• Vomiting

• Severe diarrhea

• Urine retention

• Stupor

• Convulsions

• Paralysis

• Death

Interactions

• None