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Herbs & Supplements
Artemisia absinthium
Scientific Name: Wormwood
Other Names: Absinthe, Ajenjo, Armoise, Green Ginger, Madderwort, Wermut
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Uses
In 1975, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed wormwood in the Unsafe category. Although the list of unsafe herbs is no longer maintained, wormwood should be avoided because it contains thujone, a chemical similar in structure to tetrahydrocannibinol (THC), the active chemical in marijuana. No scientifc evidence proves that thujone has marijuana-like effects, but if it is taken by mouth, thujone may cause nerve damage and other serious side effects, including death. Wormwood should not be taken by mouth for any reason.
For topical use, oil may be extracted from fresh wormwood leaves. Alternately, the dried aerial or "above ground" parts (flowers, leaves, and stems) of wormwood may be soaked in olive oil, vinegar, or water. The resulting oily rub or watery wash may be applied directly to the skin or used as a poultice to relieve minor skin surface irritations such as insect bites, scrapes, and sunburn. A poultice usually consists of a soft cloth that has been soaked in a medication, possibly heated, and applied to an injured area of skin surface. Wormwood contains chemicals that promote healing by increasing blood flow to areas where it is applied. Chemicals contained in wormwood may have also mild anti-infective properties that may help keep skin injuries from becoming infected.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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