Artemisia absinthium
Part Used: Dried leaf & flower
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a perennial shrub reaching up to 4 feet tall. It is used for all problems within the digestive system, as well as liver and bladder ailments. It has been used to remove worms from the internal digestive system. It promotes menstruation and will help with menstrual cramps. The dried leaves are placed in the sleeping pillows of cats and dogs to repel fleas and ticks. It has been commonly used as a remedy for appetite loss, indigestion and liver and gallbladder problems. In folk medicine, Wormwood has also been used for poor digestion, lack of intestinal muscle tone, inflammation of the digestive tract, stomachache, liver disorders, anemia, menstrual problems, occasional fevers, and worm infestation. Externally, it has been used to aid wound healing and as a remedy for insect bites and skin ulcers and blotches.
Wormwood promotes the production of cholesterol and bilirubin. By stimulating the bitter receptors in the taste buds of the tongue, it triggers an increase in digestive enzymes and stomach acid. The leaves and flowering shoots are anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitumor, carminative, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypnotic, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vermifuge. The extremely bitter leaves are chewed to stimulate the appetite. The bitter taste on the tongue sets off a reflex action, stimulating stomach and other digestive secretions. The leaves have been used with some success in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. The plant is applied externally to bruises and bites. A warm compress has been used to ease sprains and strained muscles. A homeopathic remedy is made from the leaves.
References:
PDR Health. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/herbaldrugs/102980.shtml
All Natural. http://www.allnatural.net/herbpages/wormwood.shtml
Plants for a Future Database. http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Artemisia+absinthum&CAN=COMIND
