10 Possible Side Effects Of Artemisia Absinthium (Wormwood)

Artemisia absinthium has some side effects when used improperly, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, and seizures.

These side effects can be caused by its toxic compounds, including thujone, which can interact with the nervous system and cause tremors, convulsions, and even hallucinations. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen a person's quality of life, leading to chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

In severe cases, it can even cause kidney or liver damage.

This article explains in details the 10 most common side effects of Artemisia absinthium if used imporperly.

1. Enhances anxiety symptoms

Artemisia absinthium causes digestive disturbances.

The bitter compounds present in the herb can irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Additionally, the herb's ability to stimulate the gut and increase gut motility may exacerbate existing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

2. Enhances anxiety symptoms

Artemisia absinthium triggers allergic reactions in some individuals due to its complex chemical composition.

The plant's essential oils, particularly thujone and sesquiterpene lactones, are believed to contribute to this adverse effect. These compounds can cause an immune response, leading to symptoms such as hives, itching, and swelling.

Additionally, the high concentration of these oils in certain preparations may increase the risk of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

3. Enhances anxiety symptoms

Artemisia absinthium induces hallucinations strongly due to its high concentration of thujone, a chemical compound that can affect the central nervous system and alter perception.

When ingested, thujone can bind to GABA receptors in the brain, leading to changes in mood, cognition, and sensory processing.

This can result in vivid hallucinations, as well as other symptoms such as altered sense of time and space.

4. Enhances anxiety symptoms

Artemisia absinthium produces skin rashes often.

This is due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones and thujone, which are compounds found in the plant that can cause an allergic reaction or irritation on the skin, leading to the formation of rashes.

The severity of these reactions can vary from person to person, but they may range from mild redness and itching to more severe blistering or swelling.

5. Enhances anxiety symptoms

Artemisia absinthium increases heart rate rapidly due to its high concentration of thujone and sesquiterpenoids.

These bioactive compounds can stimulate the nervous system and heart rate by interacting with the brain's neurotransmitters and cardiovascular system. As a result, users may experience a rapid increase in heart rate, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, jitteriness, or even palpitations.

This side effect is thought to be caused by the plant's ability to mimic the effects of adrenaline, leading to an increased heart rate and blood pressure.

6. Enhances anxiety symptoms

Artemisia absinthium disrupts menstrual cycles severely.

This is due to its high concentration of sesquiterpenes and bitter compounds that can interfere with estrogen levels in the body. As a result, wormwood may cause irregular or absent periods, leading to hormonal imbalances and potentially disrupting fertility.

The phytochemicals present in Artemisia absinthium can also affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, further complicating menstrual cycles.

7. Enhances anxiety symptoms

Artemisia absinthium lowers blood pressure sharply due to its ability to relax vascular smooth muscle and inhibit the activity of various neurotransmitters that regulate blood pressure.

The plant's bioactive compounds, such as sesquiterpenes and flavonoids, can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to a significant drop in blood pressure.

Additionally, wormwood may also affect the body's natural response to stress and anxiety, which can further contribute to hypotension.

8. Enhances anxiety symptoms

Artemisia absinthium causes dizziness frequently.

This side effect is thought to be due to its potent neurotoxin, thujone, which can interact with the central nervous system and disrupt normal brain function. Additionally, the herb's volatile oils may contribute to this dizziness by affecting blood flow to the brain.

As a result, some individuals may experience lightheadedness, vertigo, or fainting spells when using Artemisia absinthium.

9. Enhances anxiety symptoms

Artemisia absinthium triggers anxiety episodes due to its complex chemical composition.

The herb contains sesquiterpene lactones, which have been shown to stimulate the brain's limbic system, leading to increased levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Additionally, Artemisia absinthium's bitter compounds can irritate the digestive system, causing discomfort and restlessness that can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

The herb's intense flavor and aroma may also cause sensory overload, further contributing to feelings of anxiety.

10. Enhances anxiety symptoms

Artemisia absinthium induces headaches intensely due to its high concentration of thujone and sesquiterpenes.

These compounds can stimulate the brain's serotonin receptors, leading to a surge in neurotransmitter activity that may cause headaches. Additionally, wormwood's bitter constituents can irritate the stomach and gut lining, potentially triggering a response from the body's pain centers, further exacerbating headache symptoms.

The intense, pungent flavor of wormwood may also contribute to its ability to induce headaches by stimulating the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain.