Uses for the Wormwood Herb

Wormwood is a woody herbaceous plant commonly grown in gardens for its silvery foliage. It is indigenous to Europe and also is found in Asia and Africa.The plant is usually a small, 1-foot to 3- foot high shrub with tiny flowers. The leaves are slightly hairy and the plant has a spicy, pleasant odor. Wormwood is also called "Artemesia" and has a number of traditional and modern medicinal uses.

Wormwood Consumption

• Wormwood is used in the production of vermouth, white wine and absinthe. As a tea, the herb is beneficial as a digestive aid, appetite enhancer and worming remedy. The effects of wormwood have not been proven scientifically, but historically it has been claimed that it aids in enhanced liver function, the relief of dyspepsia, the easing of gall-bladder function, and even helps in speeding up childbirth. It should be noted that there is some toxicity in the herb, as there is in absinthe. It is well known that absinthe, when consumed in high quantities, can cause symptoms such as addiction, hallucinations and epileptic attacks.

Wormwood as Topical Application

• Wormwood is an effective pest repellent. Leaves crushed into a paste can be applied to the skin to repel fleas and ticks. It can also be used in bedding or stored linens to repel moths and fleas. Applied topically, wormwood can help with pain from bruises or scratches. Wormwood as a wash is said to help rashes and even scabies. It can be boiled and made into an infusion, which can then be soaked on a compress and used in the treatment of wounds. Again, much of this information is anecdotal; therefore, wormwood should be used with caution.

Malaria and Cancer

• Modern medicine has found uses for wormwood and research is ongoing in its effectiveness against cancer. In Africa, malaria is epidemic, with some strains that have grown resistant against the main curative, quinine. Artemesia infusions have been found to be as effective as quinine and work well in cases where the disease is resistant to pharmacological medicines. In cancer trials, wormwood-derived medicines are an effective treatment for nausea and the reduction of tumor growth, primarily in breast cancer. Tests and research are ongoing in the potential uses of wormwood.