Herbs & Supplements

Artemisia absinthium Scientific Name: Wormwood Other Names: Absinthe, Ajenjo, Armoise, Green Ginger, Madderwort, Wermut When should I be careful taking it? Wormwood is not considered safe to take by mouth. While it is not recommended for oral use by any individuals, members of certain groups should be particularly careful to avoid taking wormwood: Pregnant women should not take or use wormwood due to the risk of miscarriage. In animal studies, wormwood caused the muscles of the uterus to tighten, which could result in miscarriage. Individuals with epilepsy should not use wormwood because it may cause seizures. Because wormwood may increase the body's production of stomach acid and also may irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, individuals who have ulcers or other GI conditions should not use it. Precautions Wormwood belongs to the same family of plants that also includes chrysanthemums, daisies, and ragweed. Individuals who are sensitive to any of these types of plants may also be sensitive to topical wormwood oil or wash. << Back What side effects should I watch for? >>

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.