Herbs & Supplements

Should I take it?

As a highly aromatic perennial shrub, wormwood is often included in ornamental landscaping. In Africa, Asia, and India, some types of wormwood are grown on farms. Thriving in mild climates, it grows easily, reaching about 3 feet tall. Wormwood has gray-green leaves covered with fine hairs that give them a silvery look. Yellow flowers bloom during the summer and early fall. Insects are repelled by its smell, so wormwood oil or wash may be rubbed onto human skin, animal fur, or garden plants as a natural insect repellant. In some parts of Europe, wormwood sprigs are placed in closets and cupboards to keep away moths, weevils, and other insects.

Wormwood and other species of Artemisia contain substances with a bitter taste. Some of these substances, which have been proven to treat malaria and jaundice, are included in drugs that are used in Asia and Africa. Some research into their use for a wider variety of drugs is in early stages. In the past, wormwood was used to treat conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including indigestion and intestinal worms. Currently, a thujone-free derivative of wormwood may be used to flavor vermouth. Generally, however, the oral use of wormwood is discouraged.

Wormwood is also a major ingredient in another strong alcoholic drink known as absinthe, which has a bright green color. Often called by names such as "Green Fairy", absinthe was outlawed in the early part of the 20th century, after significant numbers of those drinking it suffered from hallucinations, coma, and death. Currently, absinthe may not be made or sold in the United States. Recently, however, some European countries have removed restrictions on absinthe after new research questioned the exact causes of absinthism. Excessive alcohol consumption or contamination with toxic substances may be responsible for at least some of the harmful effects attributed to drinking absinthe. Individuals who decide to use absinthe should consume only small amounts of commercially made products with no more than 35 mg per liter of thujone content.

Dosage and Administration

Wormwood should not be taken by mouth due to the possibility of severe side effects.

An oil derived from wormwood may contain up to 70% of thujone depending on where the wormwood plants were grown, when they were harvested, and how they were processed. In general, more thujone is present in commercially grown plants and those collected in mid-summer than wild wormwood or cultivated plants that are harvested in autumn.

Oil or other topical forms of wormwood may be applied to unbroken skin as often as needed. If the skin blisters or irritation develops at the site of application, however, the use of topical wormwood should be stopped.

Topical forms of wormwood should be kept in clearly marked, tightly closed containers that are stored out of the reach of children and pets.

Summary

Taking wormwood by mouth is not safe. Oral use of wormwood is discouraged.

Liquid preparations made by pressing oil from wormwood leaves or by soaking wormwood flowers, leaves, and stems in oil, vinegar, or water may be applied to minor skin injuries.

Risks

A cannabinoid-like chemical known as thujone in wormwood makes it unsafe to take by mouth--particularly for pregnant women and individuals who have epilepsy or gastrointestinal disorders. Applying wormwood products to the skin or touching the plants may result in allergic reactions for individuals who have allergies to plants in the daisy family.

Side Effect

Absinthism, a condition caused by chronic ingestion of wormwood or absinthe (a type of liquor made from it), may produce numbness, hallucinations, seizures, and death. Less serious side effects may include dizziness and insomnia from oral wormwood and rash from topical wormwood.

Interactions

Taken by mouth, wormwood may interfere with drugs that prevent or lessen seizures and drugs that reduce stomach acid. The effects and side effects of drinking alcohol may be intensified by consuming wormwood.

Last Revised September 18, 2007