Health Benefits of Wormwood
Health Benefits of Wormwood
Wormood, (artemisia absinthium) also known as madderwort is an herb native to Europe but also grows in Asia, Africa, South America and the United States in various climates. Wormwood has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. Traditionally, wormwood was used to treat several disorders including hepatitis, hepatocyte enlargement, indigestion, flatulence, gastric pain, anemia, dyspepsia and anorexia.
Wormwood was banned in the United States from 1912 to 2007 because it was considered as a hallucinogen and potential poison but is now legally available.
Wormwood has anti fungal, antimicrobial, anti-ulcer, anti-carcinogenic, anti-parasitic, and anti-depressant properties.
Wormwood is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body and may help prevent the risk of chronic diseases.
Wormwood also has neuroprotective properties. Wormwood may help promote brain health.
Wormwood may also stimulate the immune system to help fight infections. Wormwood may also help protect the liver.
Wormwood may help relieve pain. In a 4 week study of 90 adults with knee osteoarthritis who applied 3% wormwood skin ointment 3x a day showed improvement in both pain level and physical function.
Worwood may also help treat parasites and aid in digestion. Wormwood may also help relieve symptoms of Chron’s disease. Studies have shown that people with Chron’s disease who consume 500mg of wormwood supplements 3x daily had fewer symptoms and a reduced need for steroids after 8 weeks.
Wormwood may have some side effects. Wormwood contains the chemical thujone which may be poisonous and may cause seizures and convulsions, sleeplessness, hallucinations and brain injury, stomach cramps, nausea, muscle aches, vertigo, and or chronic diarrhea.
If you are allergic to ragweed, asters or marigolds then please do not consume.
Wormwood may interact with certain medications.
As always consult with your physician.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_absinthium
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-wormwood
https://www.verywellhealth.com/wormwood-5082001
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/wormwood
https://www.health.com/wormwood-7110502
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7345338/
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-729/wormwood