Overview
Wormwood was originally used as a remedy for ailments like headache, dysentery and intestinal worms but in early 18th century, it became even more widely used when French Doctor Pierre Ordinaire created a concoction with it as the main ingredient. The drink was later on named Absinthe.
Though Absinthe became an instant hit, in 1915, its production was banned because Wormwood was reported to have hallucinogenic effects when mixed with alcohol. The French government thought that it was driving drinkers to madness. It was also reported to have caused Vincent Van Gogh’s mental illness.
Its production only became legal again just recently when several modern tests claimed that the accusations n 1915 are not true. The tests indicate that even when drank in large quantities, the most that it could do is making the drinker really drunk, but nothing close to being insane.
And because Wormwood has a lot of medicinal benefits, its usage became widespread again.
Medicinal Benefits
Wormwood may be used as a relaxant. With the right dosage, it can stimulate the brain to create a peaceful and calming feeling.
Wormwood can also be used as a light anaesthetic. It is commonly used to give relief to menstrual cramps and muscle pains. It is also being used as a remedy for common cold, tapeworm, headaches, dysentery and even rheumatism.
There are also reports claiming that Wormwood is an effective and natural aphrodisiac. Thus, instead of using artificial aphrodisiacs that are not only expensive but risky as well, use Wormwood instead (or damiana).
Methods of use
Those who want milder effects of Wormwood may smoke it instead of ingesting it. The effect is quicker but it is also shorter. Hence, this method of use is recommended to those who have headaches, common colds or mild rheumatism.
To those who need to experience Wormwoods effect longer; it is advised that they make a tea out of it. Soak one teaspoon of Wormwood to a cup of hot water. Let Wormwood tea cool and then drink. It can instantly relieve moderate to severe pain and will also create a calming and relaxing feeling.
Effects
Wormwood stimulates the brain to create a calming and relaxing effect. It was also reported to relieve discomforts caused by common cold, pinworms, tapeworm, headaches, dysentery and rheumatism. This is why it became well known as a light anaesthetic. Rather than using synthetic medicines, the use of Wormwood is highly advised because it is just as effective and since its 100% natural, then there are less adverse side effects.
Side effects
When taken with alcohol or in large quantities, Wormwood might cause mild to severe hallucinations. As stated above, it is the main ingredient of absynthe.
Legality
The use of Wormwood is now legal all over the world thanks to the modern tests that disproved its alleged adverse effects and proved its medical benefits. Because Wormwood is now legal, a lot of farms has been growing it but to make sure that what you have is the most potent strains of the plant that are grown under the strictest conditions, It is important to buy it only from a reputable source.
Nicolas ‘Axel’ Duval is the founder and content editor of this website. He launched Smokable Herbs in 2011. He later created the Smokably herb online store, which sells herbs and blends worldwide.
As an herbalist and marketing enthusiast, he used Smokable Herbs as a sandbox to test ideas and deploy content.
I am living in Shenzhen China. A friend purchased an in Normas bag of Argie wormwood for me because it said be good for soaking feet. I decided to try smoking it and it smells and tastes exactly like marijuana. Perhaps there is a mild calming affect from this. I am going to try making the tea and see the effect of that. Does anybody have any experience with this?
I’m growing Wormwood. How much would i need to use in a cuppa tea for back pain and severe period pain.
Or how much would u smoke. Should i roll a joint.
Not to mention that Absinth was and still is distilled from wine spirits which is a at least (if done correctly ) upwards of 150+ proof think we got abit higher by double distillation mind you that when the plant is steeped in alcohol and then redistilled most of the effect of the plant are destroyed this is why its done this way and isn’t the way it was made back in the day the reason for la fin de la verte is because people were drinking 2+ bottles a day of stuff that was not in anyway Absinth lol and it finally ended up with someone going all axe crazy on his family just as with almost all drugs and chemicals people are ignorant to or have a vested interest in getting out of the way (ahem big pharma tobacco against cannabis ) we end up with crazy laws that just confuse ppl and make the real usefulness of a plant go ignored and unknown and then forgotten
I want to blend smoking herbs to establish a euphoric experience for meditation. I acquired a product in the past that gave you a high like marijuana and after a few minutes would settle to a calming/time lapsing meditation and after 1-hour you were completely free of any effects. I was thinking to mix white sage with kanna and/or wormwood…Please advise a course of combinations for me. Thanks
The trouble that were associated with absinth consumption, was attributed on the absence of the real analysis. Absinth was an expensive product that poor people like artist had little money to buy. So unscrupulous distiller where making cheap knockoff of absinth coloring it with copper oxide based tint. that was the ingredient that cause mental illness due to copper intoxication. that fact wasn’t know in that time and absinth was pointed as the guilty
really good input, thanks!