The medicinal properties of wormwood are mentioned in traditional medicine. These properties have not yet been validated in human trials. Wormwood botanical name is Artemisia absinthium. This herbaceous perennial plant can grow to two to four feet. It has silvery-white leaves and stems and a bitter taste. It is widely distributed in the Mediterranean, Central Asia, Europe, and Kashmir. It is native to temperate regions of Europe and a naturalized species in the United States. The plant is found in the wild and cultivated as an ornamental.
In Biblical times, wormwood was a symbol of calamity and sorrow: there are seven references to wormwood in the Old Testament.
Common wormwood is a relative of sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua). Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is the key ingredient of the controversial aperitif known as absinthe. The plant is harmful to health, and products containing this should be consumed with care only.
The medicinal properties of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) have been used for centuries. Some of its traditional uses include:
- Digestive problems: Wormwood has been used as a digestive aid to relieve symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and constipation.
- Parasitic infections: Wormwood has been used to treat parasitic infections like hookworm and roundworm.
- Fever: Wormwood has been used as a natural remedy for reducing fever and improving overall health.
- Malaria: Wormwood has been used in traditional medicine to treat malaria due to its antimalarial properties.
It’s important to note that while wormwood has been used in traditional medicine, there is limited scientific evidence to support these medicinal properties of wormwood. The herb should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment. Moreover, wormwood can be toxic in large doses, and a healthcare professional should closely monitor its use.
There have been several scientific studies on the medicinal properties of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). Some of the findings include the following:
- Antimicrobial activity: Wormwood has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Some studies have suggested that wormwood has anti-inflammatory effects and may be useful in treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Antioxidant activity: Wormwood has been found to have antioxidant activity, which may help to protect against cellular damage from free radicals.
- Antimalarial activity: Wormwood has been shown to have antimalarial activity in some studies and may be useful as a natural remedy for malaria.
It’s important to note that while these studies have shown promise for the medicinal properties of wormwood, more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and limitations, as well as its safety and efficacy. Moreover, the results of these studies may not necessarily apply to humans, and more human studies are needed to determine the therapeutic effects of wormwood.