The Health Benefits of Wormwood

Common wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a perennial herb used in the alcoholic drinks absinthe and vermouth. Known for its bitter taste, this plant has been utilized for centuries for medicinal purposes, such as reducing pain and swelling and treating digestive issues, intestinal worms, and skin infections. Other types of wormwood also have medicinal uses.

Wormwood can be cultivated from seeds or bought as a supplement and a dried herb. Nevertheless, pure untreated wormwood contains a substance called thujone, which can be toxic, causing hallucinations and seizures.

This article outlines how wormwood is used medicinally, detailing current research on its effectiveness, benefits, and risks.

Also Known As

Absinthium, Green ginger, Madderwort, Mugwort, Afsanteen 

Wormwood (Afsanteen) Benefits

Evidence on the benefits of wormwood for treating or preventing health conditions is limited. Nonetheless, some research highlights its effects on the human body, supported by smaller animal and human studies.

Before you use wormwood (Afsanteen) for health purposes, consult your healthcare provider to understand its potential benefits and risks, and ensure it doesn't interfere with any medication you're taking or medical conditions you have.

4 Noteworthy Afsanteen Benefits

Relieves Pain and Inflammation

Artemisinin, a compound in wormwood, is believed to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Research indicates that it moderates the actions of proteins known as cytokines, which play a role in inflammation. As a result, wormwood may alleviate symptoms like pain, redness, warmth, and swelling.

Traditionally, wormwood has been used for pain relief from labor, menstrual pain, and joint and muscle discomfort. Much of the research on wormwood's anti-inflammatory effects focuses on its use in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

A 2016 study published in Clinical Rheumatology found that people with osteoarthritis who took 150 milligrams (mg) of wormwood extract daily for 12 weeks experienced fewer joint pain symptoms compared to those who took a placebo. The study's findings were limited by its small size (42 participants) and the lack of benefit reported by those who took a higher 300-mg dose.

Combats Parasites

Wormwood derives its name from its historic use in treating parasites, such as pinworms, roundworms, and tapeworms, which cause serious gastrointestinal diseases. Wormwood was once a favored remedy for intestinal worms but fell out of favor due to severe side effects linked with the liquor absinthe.

Most studies examining wormwood's use in treating parasites have been conducted on animals, generally showing positive results.

Fights Bacteria and Fungus

Wormwood has also demonstrated significant antibacterial and antifungal properties. Various compounds, such as terpenes that give certain plants their aromatic scent, are believed to be responsible for these effects. This includes camphor, a terpene familiar to many from products like Vicks VapoRub.

Wormwood has shown activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that is a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections, including the serious methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Enhances Digestion

Wormwood has long been used to address indigestion, flatulence, gastritis, and symptoms of gallbladder disease. Terpenes in wormwood are thought to stimulate saliva, stomach mucus, and intestinal secretions, which can help alleviate digestive symptoms. At the same time, they may reduce stomach acids contributing to peptic ulcers and acid reflux.

Additionally, wormwood seems to boost bile secretion from the gallbladder, which may aid digestion and relieve constipation.

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