Wormwood (Dried)
Wormwood - Artemisia absinthium
Wormwood is a truly beautiful plant. I find such joy in watching it grow on the farm; its wonderful aroma and the way it seems to wave hello as I walk by always make me feel loved, much like a happy dog wagging its tail!
Digestive Health and Parasites:
Bitter Tonic: Wormwood was traditionally used as a bitter to stimulate digestion.
Anti-Parasitic: Used since the time of Ancient Egypt, the herb gets its very name from its traditional use for eliminating intestinal worms like pinworm, roundworm, and tapeworms, which can disrupt human digestive health. This parasite-fighting property is attributed to the compound thujone. A study published in the Journal of Helminthology showed that wormwood induces paralysis and death in these unwanted parasites in animals as effectively as leading anti-parasitic medications.
Personal Use: I personally sprinkle some wormwood on our 4 dogs and 7 cats food a couple of times a week and am happy to report we have not had any issues with worms. When my adult children were children I made tea for them a few times a year, or made into a popsicle for them. Very effective.
Anti-inflammatory Effects:
Chronic Inflammation: The plant compound artemisinin is thought to inhibit cytokines, which are immune system proteins that promote inflammation. This action may help combat prolonged inflammation associated with various chronic diseases.
Crohn's Disease Relief: Studies suggest wormwood may help alleviate symptoms of Crohn’s disease, a condition involving inflammation of the digestive tract lining (with symptoms like diarrhea, fatigue, and abdominal cramps).
Other Benefits:
Malaria: Wormwood’s effectiveness against malaria (a fever caused by a protozoan parasite) is well-documented. Research indicates that drinking tea made from dried wormwood leaves is the most effective anti-malarial therapy available.
Liver and Gallbladder: It was traditionally considered a useful remedy for liver and gallbladder problems.
Wormwood: A Summary of Benefits
Crohn's disease
Gallbladder and Liver support
Anti-inflammatory
Antidepressant
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Treats Pinworms and Roundworms
