Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and resin have been used for infusions, decoctions, and tinctures.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, antispasmodic, and carminative actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Wormwood
Scientific Name	Artemisia absinthium
Plant Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Artemisia
Species	absinthium
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Antispasmodic, Carminative
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Tincture

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Artemisia absinthium
Common Name: Wormwood
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Absinthe Herb, Absinthe Herb, Common Wormwood
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Artemisia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface gray-green and lower surface silvery-white, bearing prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Small, yellowish flowers arranged in dense, compact clusters, actinomorphic, with 4-5 ovate petals and 4-5 linear stamens.
Stems: Erect, branched, woody, aromatic, with opposite phyllotaxis, pubescent surface, and pinnately compound leaves.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Tincture
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: Historically regarded as a warming bitter, in bitter herb groupings.
Antispasmodic: In herbal texts, considered a soothing antispasmodic, in smooth muscle contexts.
Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a mild carminative, for digestive process support.
Sedative: Commonly referenced as a cooling sedative, in rest-related herbal contexts.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Naturally occurring plant oils composed primarily of volatile constituents.
Terpenoid: A diverse group of organic compounds present in many aromatic plants.
Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Coumarin: Plant-derived compounds often associated with fragrance-related chemistry.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: The use of this herb has been associated with reported contraindications in some situations.
Allergies: Individuals with sensitivities to botanically related plants may experience allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Potential interactions with prescription medications have been reported in available sources.
Toxicity: This herb has been associated with toxic effects under certain conditions.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.
Capsule: Powdered plant material is enclosed in a capsule for oral consumption.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.