Wormwood Essential Oil

Artemisia Absinthium or Artemisia Annua is native to some parts of Eurasia and Northern Africa.

Can be diffused and used topically, diluted. Not recommended for internal use.

Known Uses

Also known as Green Ginger and Absinthium, wormwood essential oil is a potentially highly dangerous oil. It should always be used in small doses and with extreme caution.

Wormwood oil has been used to aid in digestion and to reduce stomach acidity, but only in extremely low doses.

Wormwood oil stimulates discharges and has helped precipitate menestruation, especially in the case of blockage or obstruction. Bringing regularity to a woman's periods and alleviating headaches, cramping and other pains associated with PMS are some of its strengths, when used appropriately.

Wormwood oil is toxic to viruses and bacteria, therefore eliminating infections and fevers. As a poison, it is also an effective insecticide and insect repellent. Intestinal parasitic worms, like tape worms, hook worms, and round worms, cannot withstand its toxicity either.

Used in the right dosage, wormwood oil is an overall tonic for the body, toning up the digestive, circulatory, excretory, endocrine, nervous and immune systems.

History

Wormwood has been most commonly used throughout history in alcoholic drinks. In the Middle Ages, it was used to flavor mead. In 18th century England, it was sometimes used instead of hops in beer. Its name is attributed to its traditional use as a vermifuge against worms. It has been used traditionally to increase appetite and aid in digestion. It is a main ingredient in absinthe which is an alcoholic drink that has been banned in many countries due to its harmful effects.

Warning

Wormwood oil is a potent poison, because of its high concentration of thujone. It is a neurotoxin and a narcotic and is highly addictive. Alcoholic substances containing wormwood oil have been banned in the United States and some European countries for its psychoactive, hallucinogenic and harmful effects. Extreme care should be taken while using wormwood for medicinal purposes. It can cause nervousness, convulsions, impulsive behavior, restlessness and even death. Prolonged use should be avoided as it can cause permanent brain damage, possibly resulting in insanity, as well as damage to the nervous system.