Wormwood
Today we’re talking about wormwood - quite a name huh. But if I could bottle up the smell and give you a link that would allow you to smell this beautiful herb. It’s so unlike anything else so I guess the best I can do is just give you the 411 on this herb so you can go experience it all for yourself!
Wormwood (artemisia absinthium) in traditional medicine around teh world, it’s been traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal diseases and in Italy its used as an anti parasitic, antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory. In France it’s used to stimulate appetite, an antipyretic and emmenagogue - in short, that means ______
Due to it’s large amount of antimicrobial and antioxidant conpounds, its best known for its uses against intestinal worms and parasites, staphylococcus, hemolyptic, staphylococcus and mycoses. The main ingredeint, artemisinin is a natural agent against malaria, an herbal alternative to ivermectin and hydrochoroquine. Also, it’s been proven to be a potential anti-cancer therapeutic.
Wormwood is also great for the liver. It cleanses and detoxifies the liver, kindeys, gallbladder and urinary tract. Topically, as a poultice or bath, wormhood acts as a nerve tonic resulting in reduced pain and inflammation.
Wormwood also plays a big role in spiritual and energetical worlk as well that people in Eastern Europe have used for centuries. Here is is believed that wormwood used in the home can prevent children from getting sick and can sweet out evil spirits. Also by leaving wormwood under your pillow it will keep the insects away too as they can’t stand the scent of this plant.
While we’re on the topic of it’s roles by the energy healers of Eastern Europe, let’s continue down that path whether for your research or simply because the more we know right? It is believed that carrying a sachet of this herb will help prevent accidents, and when used in mixtures it will divert negative energy, or a harmful energy back to the sender. When carried, it acts as a charm against the evil eye. Wormwood is ruled by the planet mars and elements of air and fire.
As you might’ve been able to tell from it’s scientific name, wormwood is used to flavor both vermouth and, you guessed it, absinthe.
In 1577, English poet and farmer Thomas Tusser wrote about gathering wormwood seeds: “To save against march, to make flea to refrain.”
Shakespeare mentions wormwood in Romeo and Juliet when Juliet’s wetnurse says of wormwood that it was used by putting on the nipple to wean the child by making the taste bitter.
In Christianity, wormwood sprang up on the trail of the serpent when he left the Garden of Eden. In the Book of Revelations, a star named wormwood is said to plunge to earth, turning one of the seas bitter.
Wormwood can be planted as a border to help keep pests away.
There are some notes that need to made on the safety and precautions when handling and using this herb. Due to it’s thujone content, the use of this herb, especially in alcoholic beverages like absinthe, is regulated in many countries. It’s not recommended for pregnant or nursing women and may not interact with certain medications. Overuse or improper use can lead to adverse affects like digestive disturbances, dizziness, and neurological symptoms. Research has also looked into the use of wormwood for the treatment of Crohn’s disease.
Wormwood improves digestion, eases arthritis pain and has antioxidant properties and kills parasites. Wormwood can be used in numerous ways and forms, including teas, supplements, tea herb blends, topical products, essential oils, capsules, extracts and tinctures.
My favorite way to use this herb is with wormwood syrup. This was used by the Benedictine monks who considered it a remedy for digestion and bowels. Fill 1/4 of a 13.5 oz. jar with finely cut leaves of wormwood, then fill the rest with raw honey. Seal and leave to soak for a month. Strain and store in the fridge in a glass bottle.
Some uses of wormwood syrup: Children’s lack of appetite: 1 tsp of wormwood syrup 15 min. before the main meal. Do not use for more than 21 consecutive days. Pause for 14 days and resume if needed. Also, poor digestion, heaviness after meals and poor appetite.
Making a poultice for pain:
Good for rheumatism, paralysis and pain: Apply poultice of a or a bath of 5 liters of combined infusion and pour in bath water. Bathe 2x per week
Good for dog/insect bites: apply fresh leaves crushed in the palm to area and leave 3-4 hours
For headaches, migraines
Wounds, cuts and skin lesions - juice wormwood, soak gauze in the juice, apply to wound. Cover with aluminum foil to retain the moisture.
How to make wormwood tea for EXTERNAL use:
Soak 3-4 tbsp of freshly chopped wormwood plant in 2 cups of room temperature water for 8-10 hours or overnight. Strain the maceration(?) and set aside. Then boil the plant that is left after streaming in another 2 cups of water for 5 minutes. Allow to cool then strain. Combine both together and you have a tea that can be used externally in the form of a compress, wash, enemas (?) and baths.
How to make wormwood tea to drink:
Steep 1 heeped tsp. dried wormwood leaves and flowers in 150mL of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain and enjoy!
PLEASE NOTE! No more than 6g of wormwood per day for adults. Any treatment shouldn’t last longer than two weeks followed by a 10-14 day pause.
SAFETY - there is no research on wormwood being safe for young children. People allergic to asteracae family - which includes marigolds and ragweed - should avoid wormwood.
The Adev Farm website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitude for professional medical advice. The information provided does not intent to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is the reader’s responsibility to ensure proper plant identification & usage.
Please be aware that some plants are poisonous or can have adverse health affects. We are not health professionals, medical doctors or nutritionists. It is essential to consult with qualified professionals for verification of nutritional information, health benefits, and any potential risks associated with edible and medicinal plants mentioned in this website.