Wormwood is one of the most intensely bitter herbs in the Western pharmacopoeia, used since antiquity for intestinal parasites, poor digestion, and fever. Its sesquiterpene lactones — especially absinthin — powerfully stimulate digestive secretions, bile flow, and expel intestinal worms. It was the primary bitter in absinthe liqueur. Thujone content makes it potentially neurotoxic in large or prolonged doses, so strict dosing is essential.
aerial parts, leaf, flower
tincture, tea (low dose), capsule
5–15 drops tincture 2× daily with meals, short-term only; or ½ tsp herb steeped 5 min (brief steeping reduces thujone), up to 2× daily for 2–3 weeks maximum
CAUTION: Thujone is neurotoxic in excess — do not exceed recommended doses or use long-term. Not for use in pregnancy (strongly stimulates uterine contractions). Avoid in seizure disorders. Not for children. Use only short-term (2–3 week protocols). Avoid with anticonvulsants.
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