What Is Wormwood Used For?
Studies have tested many uses for wormwood. While research is limited, as is often the case in herbal medicine, here's what is known.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease causes swelling of the digestive system and has unpleasant symptoms such as intense stomach pain, diarrhea, and tiredness.
In a study with 40 adults living with Crohn’s disease, patients were given 1,500 milligrams (mg) of wormwood a day. The patients reported fewer symptoms. They also did not need as many steroids (a common Crohn’s medication) after eight weeks of supplementation.
1. Another study showed that 65% of those given a wormwood supplement were “near complete remission” of the disease.
2. Many patients also said their moods were better after six weeks of taking 750 mg of wormwood three times a day.
3. Parasites
Parasites such as pinworm, roundworm, and tapeworms can infect human intestines and negatively affect digestive health. Wormwood can get rid of intestinal worms.
A study published in the Journal of Helminthology showed that wormwood causes loss of muscle function and death in these parasites in animals. The treatment is shown to be as successful as leading anti-parasitic medications.4
4. Digestion
About two-thirds of Americans experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhea.5 Research shows that wormwood can help with digestion and reduce spasms in the intestines and stomach.6
Wormwood can also increase appetite, help produce saliva, and other digestive enzymes, or proteins that help with your metabolism. All of these help food move along the digestive tract to support healthy digestion.7
Since 70% of the immune system lives in the digestive tract, wormwood helps support overall health.
5. Pain Management
A small study showed that wormwood can improve pain and reduce swelling in the body. Patients in the study said their pain levels were better after taking 150 mg of wormwood extract twice a day for 12 weeks.
Another study found that all Artemisia species like wormwood are helpful herbal medicines for pain. This is because they have antioxidants that help protect your cells through a chemical reaction. They also have been shown to reduce swelling.
6. Arthritis and Immune Support
Inflammation is linked to many long-term diseases, acute and chronic pain, and reduced immune function.
Artemisinin—a compound found in wormwood—may help by stopping the body from making inflammation-causing proteins called cytokines.
Many people use wormwood to relieve the pain and swelling caused by arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis patients reported significant reductions in joint pain after 12 weeks of using wormwood extract.
Researchers found that wormwood is more effective and safer than the more common medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Another study showed that putting 3% wormwood ointment on sore joints reduced pain and improved physical function in patients with osteoarthritis.
Recap:
Wormwood is an herb used for medical conditions for thousands of years. It can be used to treat Crohn's disease, get rid of parasites in the digestive tract, and help people with digestion. It can also help improve the immune system and manage pain, including arthritis pain.
Possible Side Effects of Wormwood:
Wormwood is relatively safe for short-term use of two to four weeks. Long-term use for four or more weeks and/or taking higher amounts than recommended can cause serious side effects.
These include:
Sleeping issues
Vomiting
Nausea
Dizziness
Hallucinations
The need to constantly move
Seizures
Because wormwood contains ingredients that can produce dangerous effects, people with the following conditions should not take wormwood:
Pregnant or breastfeeding: Wormwood may cause a miscarriage.
Epilepsy or another seizure disorder: Wormwood contains thujone, a chemical that is known to cause seizures. Wormwood may also reduce the effectiveness of some anti-seizure medications.
Heart disease: If you are taking Coumadin (warfarin) for heart health, wormwood may cause bleeding in the intestines.
Kidney disease: Wormwood is toxic to the kidneys and may lead to kidney failure.
Allergies: Wormwood is part of the Asteraceae family. If you are allergic to anything in this group, such as ragweed or marigolds, avoid wormwood.
Though wormwood is safe for most adults to use for a short time, it is important to discuss using it with your healthcare provider, as it may contraindicate with certain medications. Wormwood is not safe for children.
Wormwood Dosage and Preparation:
There are currently no specific dosage guidelines for wormwood. It is important to follow all recommended dosages on the labels of commercially available wormwood products. Large amounts can cause serious side effects
Wormwood is usually taken as a tea or used as an extract.
Dried (not fresh) leaves can be used to make wormwood tea.
Wormwood tea recipe:
Let 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried wormwood leaves sit in one cup (250 mL) of boiling water.
Let it sit for five to 10 minutes; the longer it steeps, the more bitter the flavor.
Add peppermint, honey, or lemon juice to taste (not required).
What to Look For:
Wormwood is available at health food stores and online. It may be found in essential oil, pill, and liquid extract forms.
The powers that never should have been in the first place, and after this fiasco of trying to murder everyone they felt "deplorable," U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) lists wormwood as unsafe for internal use because it contains thujone, which is toxic. The FDA requires all wormwood products sold in the U.S. to be thujone-free, so it is generally safe when found in food and beverages (including bitters and vermouth).
Summary:
Wormwood is proven to have many benefits but be sure to talk to your doctor before taking it. It is also important to think about the possible side effects and decide if the benefit is worth the risk.
A Word From Verywell:
Wormwood is a nutrient-dense herb that has proven benefits for people with Crohn’s disease and arthritis. It can also remove unwanted parasites from the body, such as pinworm and malaria, and helps with healthy digestion.
As with any dietary supplement, it is important to speak with your doctor before using wormwood. There are no exact dosage guidelines. Your doctor may be able to guide you to the correct form of wormwood and dosage for you.
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