Wormwood
Latin Name: Artemisia absinthium
Herb Class/Action:
Bitter tonic, anthelmintic, carminative, antimicrobial, and nervine.
Parts of Plant Used:
Leaves and flowering tops, used dried for teas, tinctures, and powders.
Flavors:
Extremely bitter and pungent.
Energetics:
Warming and drying.
Medicinal Properties:
Digestive Bitter and Liver Stimulant:
Stimulates bile flow and appetite, making it useful in cases of sluggish digestion or gallbladder issues.
Antiparasitic and Antimicrobial:
Traditionally used in parasite cleanses and gut infections. Often part of bitters formulas or digestive teas.
Mood and Nervous System:
In low doses, wormwood may ease melancholic states. Historically associated with mood enhancement and mental clarity.
In the Garden:
Easy to grow in full sun with well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Can grow 3–4 feet tall with silvery leaves. Harvest before full flower.
Culinary Uses:
Not commonly used due to bitterness, but is an ingredient in absinthe and some bitters formulas.
Precautions:
Contains thujone; use only in small, controlled amounts. Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in cases of epilepsy or seizure disorders.
