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Herbs & Supplements
Absinthe
Scientific Name: Wormwood
Other Names: Ajenjo, Armoise, Artemisia absinthium, Green Ginger, Madderwort, Wermut
What side effects should I watch for?
Major Side Effects
Wormwood should not be taken by mouth due to the possibility of severe side effects.
In the past, many individuals who consumed large amounts of wormwood or the absinthe liquor made from it developed a set of severe symptoms known as absinthism. The exact cause of absinthism may have been specific chemicals in the wormwood or other factors, such as contaminants or high alcohol consumption. Symptoms of absinthism include:
- Thirst
- Trembling
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Muscle paralysis
- Death
Recently, at least one case of kidney failure has been associated with the oral use of wormwood oil.
Cases of seizures have also been reported among individuals who used wormwood or drank alcoholic beverages containing it. Exactly what caused the seizures is not known; contaminants or other factors could be involved.
Less Severe Side Effects
If it is taken orally, wormwood may also cause:
- Abdominal cramps
- Dizziness
- Drooling
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
In one study, individuals who drank alcohol with 100 mg of thujone per liter showed longer reaction times and less ability to focus their attention than they did when they drank the same amount of alcohol with 10 mg of thujone per liter or with no thujone. Additionally, the higher thujone content seemed to reduce the calming effect generally produced by alcohol consumption.
Wormwood belongs to the same family of plants as daisies, so individuals who are sensitive to daisies, chrysanthemums, comfrey, or ragweed may also be sensitive to wormwood. Cases of itching and rash have been reported from touching or handling the growing wormwood plant.
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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.
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What side effects should I watch for? 
