Skip to content

Wormwood

Wormwood, also known as wormwood, common wormwood, bitter wormwood, Alsem and true wormwood, as well as by its Latin name Artemisia absinthium L., is a plant whose parts and oil growing above the ground are used to make medicine. Wormwood is used to treat various disorders of the digestive tract such as indigestion, gallbladder disorders, loss of appetite and intestinal cramps. Wormwood herb is also used to treat fever, liver disorders and worm infections, to increase sexual desire, as a tonic and to stimulate sweating. Wormwood oil is used for digestive disorders, to increase sexual desire and to stimulate the imagination. Some people apply wormwood herb directly to the skin to help heal wounds and treat insect bites. Wormwood herb oil is also used as a counter-irritant to reduce pain. In industrial production, wormwood herb is used as a fragrance in soap, cosmetics and perfume. Wormwood herb is also used as an insecticide. Wormwood is used in the production of some alcoholic beverages. Wormwood, for example, is a drink that is flavored with extracts of wormwood herb. Absinthe is another well-known alcoholic drink that is made using wormwood. Absinthe is an emerald green alcoholic drink made using wormwood herb oil in combination with other dried herbs such as aniseed and fennel. Absinthe was made famous by famous artists and writers such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Degas, Manet, van Gogh, Picasso, Hemingway and Oscar Wilde. The original form of absinthe is banned in many countries due to its high thujone content. However, absinthe variants that do not exceed a concentration of 35 mg thujone per kilogram are permitted in many countries. Thujone is a potentially toxic chemical contained in wormwood. Distilling wormwood herb in alcohol increases the concentration of thujone.

How does wormwood work?

Wormwoodherb contains a chemical called thujone, which stimulates the central nervous system. Thujone can cause side effects such as seizures.

How effective is wormwood herb?

There is not enough scientific data to say how effective wormwood is for loss of appetite, stomach upset, gallbladder disorders, insect bites, worm infestations, low sexual desire and cramps, as well as when used to help heal wounds and stimulate sweating.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of wormwood herb in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Wormwoodherb is safe and harmless when taken in the amounts usually found in food and drink, as long as these products are free of thujone. Wormwood herb, which contains thujone, is not safe and harmless when used in large quantities or over a long period of time. Thujone can cause side effects such as seizures, muscle breakdown, kidney failure, restlessness, sleep problems, nightmares, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, tremors, thirst, numbness in arms and legs, paralysis and death.

Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of using wormwood on the skin.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Wormwood herb is unlikely to be safe and harmless when taken orally in quantities exceeding normal dietary levels. The concern relates to the possible thujone content. Thujone could affect the uterus and endanger pregnancy. It is also best to refrain from using wormwood herb on the skin until more is known about the safety and harmlessness of this type of use.

Breastfeeding women should refrain from using wormwood until more is known about its safety during breastfeeding.

Allergies to wormwood and related plants: Wormwood herb could cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this plant family include broomweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies and many others. If you suffer from allergies, you should consult your doctor before taking wormwood herb.

A rare, hereditary blood disorder called porphyria: Any thujone contained in wormwood herb oil could increase the body's production of chemicals known as porphrins. This could exacerbate porphyria.

Seizures including epilepsy: Wormwood herb contains thujone, which can trigger seizures. There are concerns that wormwood herb may increase the risk of seizures in people who are prone to seizures.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining wormwood herb with the following medications:

Medications used to prevent seizures (anticonvulsant medications)

Medications used to prevent seizures affect certain chemicals in the brain. Wormwood herb may also affect chemicals in the brain. As a result, wormwood herb may reduce the effect of medications used to prevent seizures.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of wormwood herb depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for wormwood herb. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Ado, A. and Ostroumov, A. [Allergy to wormwood pollen in the region of Krasnodar]. Rev.Fr.Allergol. 1968;8(1):29-33. View abstract.
  2. Anderson, J. H. A survey of allergenic airborne pollen and spores in the Fairbanks area, Alaska. Ann.Allergy 1984;52(1):26-31. view abstract.
  3. Anderson, J. H. Allergenic airborne pollen and spores in Anchorage, Alaska. Ann.Allergy 1985;54(5):390-399. view abstract.
  4. Arnold, W. N. Vincent van Gogh and the thujone connection. JAMA 11-25-1988;260(20):3042-3044. view abstract.
  5. Benezet-Mazuecos, J. and de la Fuente, A. Electrocardiographic findings after acute absinthe intoxication. Int J Cardiol. 11-10-2006;113(2):e48-e50. View abstract.
  6. Berggren, L. [Drugs and poisons in the life of Vincent van Gogh]. Sven.Med Tidskr. 1997;1(1):125-134. View abstract.
  7. Bielenberg, J. [Thujone]. Med Monatsschr.Pharm 2007;30(9):322-326. view abstract.
  8. Blumer, D. The illness of Vincent van Gogh. Am.J Psychiatry 2002;159(4):519-526. view abstract.
  9. Bonkovsky, H. L., Cable, E. E., Cable, J. W., Donohue, S. E., White, E. C., Greene, Y. J., Lambrecht, R. W., Srivastava, K. K., and Arnold, W. N. Porphyrogenic properties of the terpenes camphor, pinene, and thujone (with a note on historical implications for absinthe and the illness of Vincent van Gogh). Biochem.Pharmacol. 6-9-1992;43(11):2359-2368. view abstract.
  10. Chung, M. J., Kang, A. Y., Park, S. O., Park, K. W., Jun, H. J., and Lee, S. J. The effect of essential oils of dietary wormwood (Artemisia princeps), with and without added vitamin E, on oxidative stress and some genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. Food Chem.Toxicol. 2007;45(8):1400-1409. view abstract.
  11. Deiml, T., Haseneder, R., Zieglgansberger, W., Rammes, G., Eisensamer, B., Rupprecht, R., and Hapfelmeier, G. Alpha-thujone reduces 5-HT3 receptor activity by an effect on the agonist-reduced desensitization. Neuropharmacology 2004;46(2):192-201. view abstract.
  12. Dettling, A., Grass, H., Schuff, A., Skopp, G., Strohbeck-Kuehner, P., and Haffner, H. T. Absinthe: attention performance and mood under the influence of thujone. J Stud.Alcohol 2004;65(5):573-581. view abstract.
  13. Efferth, T. Willmar Schwabe Award 2006: antiplasmodial and antitumor activity of artemisinin--from bench to bedside. Planta Med 2007;73(4):299-309. view abstract.
  14. Gniazdowska, B., Doroszewska, G., and Doroszewski, W. [Hypersensitivity to weed pollen allergens in the region of Bygdoszcz]. Pneumonol.Alergol.Pol. 1993;61(7-8):367-372. view abstract.
  15. Hein, J., Wrase, J., and Heinz, A. [Alcohol-related disorders: etiopathology and therapeutic considerations]. Progress Neurol Psychiatry 2007;75(1):10-17. view abstract.
  16. Hien, T. T., VinhChau, N. V., Vinh, N. N., Hung, N. T., Phung, M. Q., Toan, L. M., Mai, P. P., Dung, N. T., HoaiTam, D. T., and Arnold, K. Management of multiple drug-resistant malaria in Viet Nam. Ann.Acad.Med Singapore 1997;26(5):659-663. view abstract.
  17. Holstege, C. P., Baylor, M. R., and Rusyniak, D. E. Absinthe: return of the Green Fairy. Semin Neurol. 2002;22(1):89-93. view abstract.
  18. Hughes, J. R. A reappraisal of the possible seizures of Vincent van Gogh. Epilepsy Behav. 2005;6(4):504-510. view abstract.
  19. Huisman, M., Brug, J., and Mackenbach, J. Absinthe--is its history relevant for current public health? Int J Epidemiol. 2007;36(4):738-744. view abstract.
  20. Iwasaki, E. and Baba, M. [Classification of allergens by positive percentage agreement and cluster analysis based on specific IgE antibodies in asthmatic children]. Arerugi 1992;41(10):1449-1458. view abstract.
  21. Koo, H. N., Hong, S. H., Jeong, H. J., Lee, E. H., Kim, N. G., Choi, S. D., Ra, K. W., Kim, K. S., Kang, B. K., Kim, J. J., Oh, J. G., and Kim, H. M. Inhibitory effect of Artemisia capillaris on ethanol-induced cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1alpha) secretion in Hep G2 cells. Immunopharmacol.Immunotoxicol. 2002;24(3):441-453. view abstract.
  22. Krishna, S., Bustamante, L., Haynes, R. K., and Staines, H. M. Artemisinins: their growing importance in medicine. Trends Pharmacol.Sci 2008;29(10):520-527. view abstract.
  23. Lachenmeier, D. W. [Absinthe - history of dependence to thujone or to alcohol?] Neurological Psychiatry 2007;75(5):306-308. View abstract.
  24. Lachenmeier, D. W. [Thujone-attributable effects of absinthe are only an urban legend--toxicology uncovers alcohol as real cause of absinthism]. Med Monatsschr.Pharm 2008;31(3):101-106. View abstract.
  25. Lachenmeier, D. W. and Nathan-Maister, D. Absinthe and tobacco--a new look at an old problem? (Comment on: Absinthe--is its history relevant for current public health?). Int J Epidemiol. 2008;37(1):217-218. view abstract.
  26. Mangena, T. and Muyima, N. Y. Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of essential oils of Artemisia afra, Pteronia incana and Rosmarinus officinalis on selected bacteria and yeast strains. Lett Appl.Microbiol 1999;28(4):291-296. view abstract.
  27. Meschler, J. P. and Howlett, A. C. Thujone exhibits low affinity for cannabinoid receptors but fails to evoke cannabimimetic responses. Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. 1999;62(3):473-480. view abstract.
  28. Milovic, I. [Medical manuscript of Mihail Plamenac, a priest]. Srp.Arh.Celok.Lek. 1998;126(1-2):63-67. view abstract.
  29. Minigh, J. Steroid-Sparing Effect of Wormwood in Crohn's Disease. HerbalGram 2008;(77):29-30.
  30. Morrant, J. C. The wing of madness: the illness of Vincent van Gogh. Can.J Psychiatry 1993;38(7):480-484. view abstract.
  31. Omer, B., Krebs, S., Omer, H., and Noor, T. O. Steroid-sparing effect of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) in Crohn's disease: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Phytomedicine. 2007;14(2-3):87-95. View abstract.
  32. Ostroumov, A. I., Khanferian, R. A., and Edigarova, T. L. [Allergenic activity of some kinds of plant pollen]. Biull.Eksp.Biol.Med 1979;88(9):332-333. view abstract.
  33. Park, H. S., Lee, M. K., and Hong, C. S. Bronchial challenge responses in asthmatic patients sensitized to Artemisia spp. pollen. Yonsei Med J 1989;30(2):173-179. view abstract.
  34. Plebani, M., Borghesan, F., Basso, D., and Faggian, D. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves: a fundamental tool for improving the clinical usefulness of in vitro IgE tests. Allergy 1996;51(6):407-411. view abstract.
  35. Rekand, T. and Sulg, I. [Absinthe and the artistic creativeness]. Tidsskr.Nor Laegeforen. 1-9-2003;123(1):70-73. view abstract.
  36. Rezaeinodehi, A. and Khangholi, S. Chemical composition of the essential oil of Artemisia absinthium growing wild in Iran. Pak.J Biol.Sci 3-15-2008;11(6):946-949. view abstract.
  37. Singh, N. P. and Lai, H. C. Artemisinin induces apoptosis in human cancer cells. Anticancer Res 2004;24(4):2277-2280. view abstract.
  38. Singh, N. P. and Lai, H. C. Synergistic cytotoxicity of artemisinin and sodium butyrate on human cancer cells. Anticancer Res 2005;25(6B):4325-4331. view abstract.
  39. Strang, J., Arnold, W. N., and Peters, T. Absinthe: what's your poison? Though absinthe is intriguing, it is alcohol in general we should worry about. BMJ 12-18-1999;319(7225):1590-1592. view abstract.
  40. Sundar, S. N., Marconett, C. N., Doan, V. B., Willoughby, J. A., Sr., and Firestone, G. L. Artemisinin selectively decreases functional levels of estrogen receptor-alpha and ablates estrogen-induced proliferation in human breast cancer cells. Carcinogenesis 2008;29(12):2252-2258. view abstract.
  41. Trevett, A. and Lalloo, D. A new look at an old drug: artemesinin and qinghaosu. P.N G Med J 1992;35(4):264-269. view abstract.
  42. Van der, Meersch H. [Review of the use of artemisinin and its derivatives in the treatment of malaria]. J Pharm Belg. 2005;60(1):23-29. view abstract.
  43. Weisbord, S. D., Soule, J. B., and Kimmel, P. L. Poison on line--acute renal failure caused by oil of wormwood purchased through the Internet. N. Engl. J. Med. 9-18-1997;337(12):825-827. view abstract.
  44. Yance, D. R., Jr. and Sagar, S. M. Targeting angiogenesis with integrative cancer therapies. Integr.Cancer Ther. 2006;5(1):9-29. view abstract.
  45. Zeller, W., de Gols, M., and Hausen, B. M. The sensitizing capacity of Compositae plants. VI. Guinea pig sensitization experiments with ornamental plants and weeds using different methods. Arch Dermatol.Res 1985;277(1):28-35. view abstract.
  46. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol 1999;246:667-70. view abstract.
  47. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid= 786bafc6f6343634fbf79fcdca7061e1&rgn=div5&view= text&node=21:3.0.1.1.13&idno=21
  48. Gambelunghe C, Melai P. Absinthe: enjoying a new popularity among young people? Forensic Sci Int 2002;130:183-6. View abstract.
  49. Gilani AH, Janbaz KH. Preventive and curative effects of Artemisia absinthium on acetaminophen and CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Gen Pharmacol 1995;26:309-15. view abstract.
  50. Hold KM, Sirisoma NS, Casida JE. Detoxification of alpha- and beta-Thujones (the active ingredients of absinthe): site specificity and species differences in cytochrome P450 oxidation in vitro and in vivo. Chem Res Toxicol 2001;14:589-95. view abstract.
  51. Kim MS, Na HJ, Han SW, et al. Forsythia fructus inhibits the mast-cell-mediated allergic inflammatory reactions. Inflammation 2003;27:129-35. view abstract.
  52. Lachenmeier DW, Emmert J, Kuballa T, Sartor G. Thujone--cause of absinthism? Forensic Sci Int 2006;158:1-8. view abstract.
  53. Lachenmeier DW, Walch SG, Padosch SA, Kroner LU. Absinthe--a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2006;46:365-77. view abstract.
  54. Mueller MS, Runyambo N, Wagner I, et al. Randomized controlled trial of a traditional preparation of Artemisia annua L. (Annual Wormwood) in the treatment of malaria. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2004;98:318-21. view abstract.
  55. Muto T, Watanabe T, Okamura M, et al. Thirteen-week repeated dose toxicity study of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) extract in rats. J Toxicol Sci 2003;28:471-8. view abstract.
  56. Olsen RW. Absinthe and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2000;97:4417-8. view abstract.
  57. Padosch SA, Lachenmeier DW, Kroner LU. Absinthism: a fictitious 19th century syndrome with present impact. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2006;1:14. view abstract.
  58. Rath K, Taxis K, Walz G, et al. Pharmacokinetic study of artemisinin after oral intake of a traditional preparation of Artemisia annua L. (annual wormwood). Am J Trop Med Hyg 2004;70:128-32. view abstract.
  59. Wesbord SD, Soule JB, Kimmel PL. Poison on line-acute renal failure caused by oil of wormwood purchased through the internet. N Engl J Med 1997;337:825-7.