Wormwood stimulates the appetite and supports digestion, stimulates and regulates gastric acid production and counteracts feeling of fullness in the stomach. Wormwood also supports liver function and the formation of bile.
Effects of wormwood
The aromatic oil in wormwood contains the toxins thujone and isothujone. Very little of this oil is present in normal teas or tinctures. Although the oil is effective against worms, it can also damage the human nervous system. Wormwood is very rich in vitamins and minerals and used to be used against scurvy.When the bitter substances (absinthin and anabsinthin) come into contact with the bitter receptors in the oral mucosa, they trigger the secretion of the hormone gastrine in the stomach wall, which stimulates the appetite and increases the production of digestive juices and bile juices.
The finely chopped leaves can be used to aromatize sauces, meat dishes and hutsepot. This spice is also added to flavor alcoholic beverages. The essential oil of absinthe, for example, was an ingredient of absinthe, an alcoholic aperitif first made by Henri Pernod in 1797. It became a very popular drink and was immortalized in the painting "l'Absinthe" by Manet.
What are the health benefits of wormwood
Wormwood is used against gastrointestinal infections, disbiose (imbalance of the intestinal flora) and various other digestive problems such as loss of appetite, stomach complaints, gall bladder disorders, intestinal spasms, goes against flatulence and has a positive effect in Crohn's disease. Stimulates and regulates gastric acid production and counteracts feeling of fullness in the stomach. Wormwood is used for indigestion, especially when an indigestion is caused by a shortage of gastric juices.Wormwood is externally disinfecting, deodorizing and insect repellent. It is an effective herb against worms, especially roundworms and earth maggots.
Wormwood has a general strengthening and cleansing effect, helps with infections and fever.
What can wormwood be used for
- Deficient appetite
- Crohn's disease
Dosage of wormwood
- Tincture: 3 times a day between 20 to 40 drops.
- Drying extract: 2 to 3 times a day, 200 mg, for meals.
Side effects and warnings of wormwood
- Do not give to pregnant women, because of uterine stimulation and possible abortion.
- Do not give to nursing women (makes the mother's milk very bitter).
- Do not give in stomach and intestinal ulcers.
- Do not give to children.
- Do not give in case of allergy to wormwood.
