Name
Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood)
Medical Indication
Part of the plant which can be used
- The leaf or the flower of the plant
Present in the market
- Herbal substance in tablets.
- Herbal tea.
- Expressed juice.
- Tincture.
Medical Use and Dosage – mode of administration
ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM can be used to deal with the loss of appetite, indigestion, biliary disorders, and other gastrointestinal problems. In cases of the treatment of dyspeptic complaints, such as minor gastrointestinal spasms, repletion and flatulence, herbal substance can be taken in tablets 3 times daily.
In dealing with loss of appetite, dyspepsia, dyspeptic complaints such as minor gastrointestinal spasms, repletion and flatulence and functional disorders of the biliary tract, we drink herbal tea 2 -3 times daily.
In dealing with the loss of appetite, dyspeptic complaints such as minor gastrointestinal spasms, repletion and flatulence, we consume expressed juice 2 times daily.
In cases of hypoacidity and chronic gastritis, tincture can be applied 3 times daily.
For trauma care and insect bites, apply ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM directly to the skin for healing wounds. It’s oil is used as a counterirritant to reduce pain.
For more information see:
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2009/12/WC500017795.pdf
Combinations & Contraindications
Artemisia can be used in combinations with many other herbal substances such as Gentianae radix, Angelicae radix, Curcuma rhizoma, Milefolii herba, Taraxaci radix, Menthae piperitae herba, Levistici herba, Liquiritiae radix and Foeniculus fructus.
In case of arthritis can be combined with Celery, Minyanthos or Spiraea.
Most sources recommend contraindication in pregnancy and lactation due to the uterus stimulating effects of thujone. Also should not be used in cases of obstruction of the bile duct, cholangitis, or liver disease.
It is contraindicated to be used during pregnancy without medical surveillance.
Recognized Ethnobotanical use
Artemisia is a remedy for fever and menstrual pains. It has been also known to aid digestion, and it is used as an effective treatment for upset stomach. During the last decades, Artemisia is used as “amarum aromaticum” to promote the appetite in dealing with cases such as gastritis, hypoacidity and dyspepsia. Furthermore, it is used against liver diseases, hepatitis, blood purification, jaundice, diabetes, skin diseases, allergy, scabies, tetanus, and it is used as brain tonic.