Botanical Overview

Artemisia absinthium, commonly known as Wormwood, is a member of the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, and has been introduced to North America. The parts commonly used medicinally are the leaves and flowering tops. Common names include Wormwood, Absinthium, and Common wormwood.

Energetics

• Temperature: warming
• Moisture: drying
• Tastes: bitter
• Directionality: descending
• Tonicity: relaxing
• Qi/Blood/Fluid: qi

Primary Actions

• Bitter
• Antimicrobial
• Anthelmintic
• Digestive stimulant
• Nervine

Indications

Western

• Digestive complaints
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Intestinal worms
• Indigestion
• Dyspepsia
• Nervousness

Syndromes

• Digestive insufficiency
• Parasitic infections
• Nervous agitation

TCM

No widely recognized uses recorded.

Ayurveda

No widely recognized uses recorded.

Unani

• Loss of appetite
• Flatulence
• Intestinal worms

Syndromes

• Ma’da su’ (digestive weakness)

Constituents & Mechanisms

Contains sesquiterpene lactones, essential oils including thujone and absinthin, flavonoids, and bitter principles that stimulate digestive secretions and exhibit antimicrobial and anthelmintic actions.

Dosage & Preparations

• Tincture 1:5 40% alcohol, 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily
• Infusion 1-2 g per cup, 1-2 times daily
• Powder 0.5-1 g 1-2 times daily

Safety & Contraindications

Use with caution due to possible neurotoxicity from thujone, which may cause seizures. Contraindicated in pregnancy and epilepsy. Avoid prolonged use. Potential interactions with sedatives through additive effects.

Astrological Correspondences

No reliable sources found for planetary or elemental rulers.

Selected References

• Assessment report on Artemisia absinthium L., herba – EMA (2015)
• Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) – Plants For A Future
• Wormwood – WebMD
• American Herbal Pharmacopoeia-Artemisia absinthium Monograph – Richard Upton (2010)