The History of the Herb Wormwood

Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)

The word Absinthium is derived from the ancient Greek "apsinthion", meaning "unenjoyable", and likely refers to the bitter taste of the herb. Wormwood is mentioned in the Bible several times, each time describing its bitterness. As the name suggests, it was once used to treat intestinal worms. For example Tusser (1577), in July's Husbandry, says:

“ While Wormwood hath seed get a handful or twaine
” To save against March, to make flea to refraine:
It is a comfort for hart and the braine
And therefore to have it it is not in vaine.

It was also administered after poisoning by hemlock, toadstools and the biting of the seadragon. Herbal books mention it as a bitter to improve digestion, stimulate menstruation and quell liver and gallbladder problems. In Mexico, natives used to wear garlands of wormwood on their heads for certain pagan festivals.

Wormwood is the bitterest herb known, but nevertheless it is very wholesome and previously used by brewers instead of hops. The leaves resist putrefaction, therefore being a principal ingredient in antiseptic fomentations.

Wormwood is perhaps best known for its essential oils in the preparation of certain alcoholic beverages, most notably vermouth and absinthe. Absinthe was a popular intoxicant in the 19th century in Europe and caused several cases of brain damage and even death. Thus it was banned in most places during the early 20th century. Wormwood oil continues to be used as a flavoring agent for foods, although in much smaller amounts than absinthe.

The WHO established the guideline that thujones are safe for human consumption up to a concentration of 5 ppm. Short-term use of a wormwood tea or tincture has not resulted in any reports of significant side effects.

In Germany, wormwood is an approved herbal medicine for the treating appetite loss.