Wormwood Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Wormwood is a bitter herb with high concentrations of phenolic compounds that possess anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and analgesic properties. 

Although wormwood has been used safely in traditional medicine for centuries, its potent effects on the central nervous system may cause adverse reactions in some individuals and should be used with caution.

Discover five wormwood benefits and learn who should avoid this medical plant to minimize the risk of side effects.

What is wormwood?

Wormwood, scientifically known as Artemisia absinthium L. or Artemisia annua, has been used for centuries to promote digestion, reduce skeletal and muscular discomfort, and encourage wound healing. 

The medicinal plant has a bitter taste, and its bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenols, and essential oils, are believed to contribute to its antiparasitic effects and analgesic activity. 

Its antiparasitic properties also earned wormwood its name, as it has long been used in folk medicine to address parasitic infections, including pinworms and tapeworms. 

Wormwood products are commonly found in health food stores, with wormwood oil, wormwood tea, and wormwood extract being popular forms of this natural remedy that are used for various health benefits.

Wormwood is also famously used in alcoholic beverages, such as absinthe, which is a potent spirit with a distinct pungent aroma and bitter flavor.

Although wormwood has been used safely for centuries, it’s essential to be cautious, as its strong pharmacological actions can have potent effects, especially on the central nervous system. 

Watch the video below to discover some of the potential health benefits of wormwood.

Potential wormwood benefits

Due to its high concentration of bioactive compounds, wormwood has been traditionally used to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote overall gut health.

Its potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties also make it a popular natural remedy for various infections and digestive concerns.

Here are five potential health benefits of taking wormwood.  

1. Antiparasitic properties

Wormwood oil has been traditionally used to support the body’s natural defense against parasitic infections, such as tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, pinworms, and giardia.

It’s believed that wormwood’s chemical composition triggers a cascade of biochemical reactions that directly target the membranes of parasitic organisms, disrupting their ability to maintain cellular integrity and survive in the host’s body. 

In addition, wormwood contains compounds, such as artemisinin, that have been studied for their role in supporting traditional approaches to malaria management, as noted in research published in Antibiotics.

2. May help reduce joint discomfort 

Wormwood’s anti-inflammatory compounds may offer relief from joint discomfort by reducing inflammation and promoting better circulation. 

Evidence published in the Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences explored the effects of Artemisia absinthium ointment on knee joint discomfort in osteoarthritis patients and found that topical wormwood application showed promising results.

3. Supports gallbladder health 

Bitter herbs such as wormwood have choleretic properties, meaning they promote bile production and bile flow, and thereby stimulate digestion.

“Wormwood contains bitter compounds, including absinthin and artabsin, which help stimulate the release of bile,” explains Dr. Berg. “This supports fat digestion and helps prevent bile stagnation linked to an increased risk of gallstones.”

This can promote gallbladder health by reducing the risk of gallstone formation and aiding in the breakdown of dietary fats for improved nutrient absorption.

4. Promotes digestive functions  

Wormwood has traditionally been used to support digestive health, and emerging research explores its role in gut function. 

A study published in Phytomedicine investigated wormwood’s potential in alleviating discomfort associated with various digestive disorders.

The authors summarize, “These results strongly suggest that wormwood has a steroid-sparing effect and indicate that wormwood also affects the mood and quality of life of Crohn’s disease patients.”

5. Wound healing properties 

When applied topically, wormwood has notable wound-healing properties due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help reduce the risk of infections and alleviate inflammation.

This herb may also promote tissue regeneration and skin healing processes, which explains why it’s a widely used remedy for cuts, bruises, minor burns, and irritations. 

Wormwood uses and dosage

Wormwood is commonly used orally in the form of tea, tinctures, or capsules to promote digestive health, relieve bloating, and enhance bile flow and gallbladder function. 

For digestive support, the typical dosage is 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried wormwood in tea, 1 to 2 mL of tincture, or approximately 400 mg of wormwood extract, taken once or twice daily.

Topically, wormwood essential oil can be used in diluted form to promote skin health and support healing processes. 

However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using wormwood to ensure its safety and suitability for your specific health needs.

In addition, it’s crucial to choose wormwood products that are thujone-free. Thujone is a toxic compound found in certain wormwood preparations, which can cause adverse effects when consumed in high amounts.

Precautions and possible side effects

While wormwood may have various potential uses, it should be approached with caution due to its potent bioactive compounds, such as thujone, a naturally occurring terpenoid, that can have neurotoxic effects if consumed in excessive amounts.

Thujone may cause seizures, hallucinations, or heightened anxiety, especially in individuals with a history of epilepsy or seizure disorders. 

Pregnant women should avoid wormwood, as it may cause uterine contractions, which increase the risk of miscarriage. 

Breastfeeding mothers and children should also avoid wormwood preparations, as its potent compounds may negatively affect the developing nervous system. 

In addition, those with kidney disease or kidney failure should be cautious when using wormwood products, as they may strain kidney function. 

Prolonged use of wormwood, especially in high doses, can lead to kidney damage, and it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating this herb into your routine.

FAQ

Sources

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7345338/#B153-antibiotics-09-00353 
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29184260/ 
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17240130/