Dried Wormwood |
Wormwood is a perennial herb sometimes called by its
scientific name Artemisia absinthium. Many people have only heard of wormwood's
use in the alcoholic spirit absinthe, which grew in popularity in Europe during
the 19th century and is coming back into fashion today; however, wormwood has
been used as a medicinal herb for centuries in parts of Northern Africa, Europe
and Central Asia. Today, science has begun to verify many of the benefits of
wormwood, causing it to become a more mainstream alternative medicine for a
number of conditions.
An Inflammation Fighter
Wormwood extract contains azulene, an organic compound that
contributes to the coloration of wormwood's flowers. Studies have found that
azulene has an anti-inflammatory effect, meaning that it disrupts the immune
system activities that lead to swelling and pain. The anti-inflammatory
activities of wormwood have led to its use for addressing a number of
conditions, including gout.
Promoting Digestive Health
In traditional medicine, wormwood was often recommended for
individuals suffering from various gastrointestinal problems, as it was
believed that the herb could assist with proper digestion. In the modern era,
there has been some promising research concerning the use of wormwood for
digestive concerns. One study found that people who suffered from Crohn's
disease were able to discontinue the use of prescription medications for the
condition without a return of symptoms when they took a wormwood supplement.
Research has also indicated that wormwood could help to lessen the symptoms of
irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux and indigestion.
Antimicrobial Actions
Laboratory analyses has uncovered that wormwood has
antibacterial and antifungal products, indicating that the herb could be used
to fight various kinds of infections when applied topically or taken
internally. Wormwood appears to have the ability to kill certain types of
parasites, leading to its use as a natural remedy for certain stomach
parasites. The herb is also frequently utilized as a natural alternative to
synthetic insect repellants for keeping mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and other
harmful pests away while enjoying the great outdoors.
Other Uses for Wormwood
Over the centuries, wormwood has been used as a folk remedy
for a number of other conditions. There is some evidence that suggests that
wormwood extract can help to protect the liver from damage and promote proper
liver function. Some herbal practitioners use it to address jaundice, yellowing
of the skin that occurs due to liver problems. The herb is also a traditional
remedy for anemia, which is a type of iron deficiency that causes poor red
blood cell production. As a beauty remedy, wormwood is sometimes applied to the
skin to refine the pores and control oil production due to its astringent
properties.
It's important to note that wormwood can be toxic if
ingested in large quantities or if the wrong portions of the plant are
consumed. As a result, wormwood should only be used by experienced herbologists or under their consultation.
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