- Artemisia absinthium L.
- Artemisia abrotanum L.
- Composite family
Parts Usually Used
Leaves, flowering tops
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Wormwood's woody rootstock produces many bushy stems, which grow
from 2-4 feet high and bear alternate, bi- or tri-pinnate leaves with
long, obtuse lobes. Numerous tiny, yellow-green, rayless flower heads
grow in leafy panicles from July to October.
The stem of wormwood is branched, and firm, almost woody at the base.
The stem is covered with fine silky hairs, as are the leaves. The
leaves themselves are 3 inches long by one broad, thrice pinnate with
linear, blunt segments. They are grayish-green and have a distinct
Wormwood is not heat tolerant. Zones 4-10.
There are other varieties of wormwood. Annual wormwood (Artemisia
annua L.) otherwise known as Sweet Annie, is a bushy plant 1-9 feet
tall; used in the treatment of malaria. Related to A. absinthium,
it is not poisonous but may cause dermatitis. A. heterophylla; Paiute
name is "Kose-wiup," At Owyhee, Nevada, a basket was used to steep
these wormwood leaves, and put them next to a baby's skin to reduce
fever. The Shoshone name for this herb is "Pava hobe," California
Native Americans called it "Poonkinny." Packets of steamed plants
were placed on limbs for rheumatism, and a sweat bath given. Another
wormwood, (A. gnaphalodes), Paiute and Shoshone gave the same names
as to A. heterophylla. They made a tea called "Ba wa zip," (young
people's tea). Smoky Valley Tea and steam bath was for young girls
Found in waste places and along roadsides from Newfoundland to Hudson
Bay and south to Montana. Wormwood is a native plant in Europe, from
where it was introduced into North America.
Anthelmintic (kills intestinal worms), antiseptic, antispasmodic,
aromatic, carminative, cholagogue (stimulates flow of bile), febrifuge
(reduces fever) , narcotic, stimulant, stomachic, tonic
Absinthol which is common to all worm-woods, in addition to other
essential oils including pinene, cineol borneol phenol cuminic aldehyde,
Legends, Myths and Stories
This is the bitterest of herbs.
Wormwood's name is obviously derived from its medicinal property
of expelling intestinal worms for which it has been well known since
ancient times. An Egyptian papyrus dated 1,600 years before Christ
describes this bitter herb.
Legend has it that this plant first sprang up on the impressions
marking the serpent's tail as he slithered his way out of Eden. According
to folk beliefs, wormwood was reputed to deprive a man of his courage,
but a salve made from it was supposed to be effective in driving away
goblins who came at night.
Wormwood is a principal ingredient in the dangerous alcoholic drink
absinthe, which has been made illegal all over the world because it
deteriorates the nervous system, causing attacks similar to epileptic
seizures. Absinthe is a bitter, aromatic, alcoholic drink that was
very popular in Italy, France, and Switzerland during the 19th century.
Because of the addictive nature of wormwood and the frequent side
effects when absinthe was used to excess (dizziness, seizures, stupor,
delirium, hallucinations, and even death) it has now been banned in
nearly every country of the world.
Wormwood planted as a border, it keeps animals from the garden.
It got its generic name from Artemis, the Greek name for Diana, because
she discovered the plant's virtues and gave them to mankind. Another
story has it that it is named for Artemisia, Queen of Caria, who gave
her name to the plant after she had benefited from its treatments.
Wherever its name came from, it is one of the bitterest herbs known.
Its common name comes from its ability to act as a wormer in children
and animals. It was used in granaries to drive away weevils and insects,
and was used as a strewing herb in spring to drive fleas away.
It contains large amounts of a toxic substance called absinthin,
which will wash off the leaves of the plant and into the ground nearby,
inhibiting the growth of closely planted herbs or plants.
Wormwood is above all a stomach medicine, being useful for indigestion,
gastric pain, and lack of
appetite, as well as the related problems of heartburn and flatulence,
anemia. It is also said to be
helpful for liver insufficiency by stimulating liver and gallbladder
secretions, jaundice. Wormwood
is a cardiac stimulant and therefore acts, when taken in proper doses,
to improve blood circulation. Wormwood tea has been recommended to
help relieve pain during labor. The powdered flowering tops have been
used to expel intestinal worms
and other parasites. A fomentation of wormwood tea can be applied
externally to irritations, bruises, or sprains. A wash of the tea
will relieve itching from rashes. The oil acts as a local anesthetic
when applied to relieve pains of rheumatism,
neuralgia, lumbago, tuberculosis,
The vinegar from boiled wormwood is good for halitosis,
either from gums, teeth, or sour stomach.
Also, repels moths; put in closets, chests, etc., no problem with
moths. Scatter lavishly between the folds of clothing, dried wormwood,
and wrap each article in newspaper before packing away winter clothing.
Wormwood was used in considerable quantities by cloth manufacturers
according to one old herbal. Mugwort, related to wormwood, was also
used to protect clothes from moths. The oil of wormwood, rubbed on,
will drive away fleas, flies, gnats, and worms. A few leaves of green
wormwood, scattered where black ants have become troublesome pests,
is said to be effective in dislodging them.
Formulas or Dosages
Infusion: steep 2 tsp. leaves or tops in 1 cup water. Take
1/2 cup per day, a tsp. at a time.
Oil: A dose is from 2 to 5 drops, 2-3 times per day.
Tincture: take 8 to 10 drops on a sugar cube, 1-3 times per
Powder: take 1/4 to 1/2 tsp., 1 or 3 times per day.
Pure wormwood oil is poisoning. Relatively small doses may cause
nervous disorders, convulsions, insomnia, nightmares, and other symptoms.
Flowers may induce allergic reactions. Has been approved as a food
additive (flavoring) with thujon removed. Follow dosage closely and
use under medical supervision. Do not take large doses.
Contraindicated in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, do not use wormwood.