In addition to its use in absinthe and other spirits, wormwood has many applications in non-Western medicinal practices, including Traditional Chinese medicine.ĭespite absinthe’s reputation for causing hallucinations, sleeplessness, and convulsions, wormwood is not considered a hallucinogen ( 8).Īlthough the drink’s high alcohol and thujone contents may play a minor role in these effects, this has not been confirmed by formal research. Wormwood’s most notable plant compound is thujone, which has some benefits but can be toxic in excess. Thujone is thought to excite your brain by blocking gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that has calming effects on the central nervous system.Īlthough this compound may have several benefits, consuming thujone in excess is toxic and has been linked to seizures and even death ( 4). It’s also the primary active ingredient in wormwood ( 4). Although these differences are small, they’re meaningful because alpha-thujone is considered more toxic.

This compound occurs in two forms - alpha- and beta-thujone, which differ at the molecular level. These formulations lack calories, vitamins, or minerals but contain numerous plant compounds, the best known of which is thujone ( 4, 5, 6, 7). Its oil is made from the stems and leaves of the plant, whereas an extract or tincture may use the entire plant ( 4). Wormwood is typically taken as an extract or tea. This article provides a detailed look at wormwood, reviewing its benefits and uses, dosage information, and potential downsides. It’s now legally available in the United States ( 2, 3). Long considered a hallucinogen and potential poison, wormwood was banned in the United States for nearly a century, from 1912 until 2007. It gained notoriety from its use in absinthe, a French liqueur that was a favorite of many 19th-century artists, including Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh - and purported to cause numerous adverse effects ( 2). All parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicinal practices for hundreds of years ( 1). It has velvety white or greenish-silver stems, yellow-green leaves, and bulbous flowers that are bright or pale yellow. While native to Europe, it grows readily across various climates, including parts of Asia, Africa, South America, and the United States. Wormwood ( Artemisia absinthium) is an herb that’s prized for its distinctive aroma, herbaceous flavor, and purported health benefits ( 1).

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