Product Description
Wormwood is a perennial herb that grows back every year. It has been used for medical purposes for thousands of years.Wormwood's name stems from its historical use as an antiparasitic. The essential oil from this hearty, bitter-tasting herb has also been used to help with digestion, pain management, and to reduce swelling.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a perennial herb that grows back every year. It has been used for medical purposes for thousands of years.
Wormwood's name stems from its historical use as an antiparasitic. The essential oil from this hearty, bitter-tasting herb has also been used to help with digestion, pain management, and to reduce swelling.
This article explains how wormwood is used medicinally, and what's known from medical research about how it works. It also discusses available forms of wormwood and any possible side effects.
What Is Wormwood Used For?
Studies have tested many uses for wormwood. While research is limited, here's what is known.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition of the digestive system. Symptoms include intense stomach pain, diarrhea, and tiredness. Research suggests there are benefits for people with Crohn's disease who take wormwood, but the results are drawn from small sample sizes.
In one study, 10 people with the disease were given 750 milligrams (mg) of dried powdered wormwood three times a day for six weeks, in addition to their regular treatment. Ten other people who did not receive wormwood served as a control group. Among those who took wormwood, eight of the 10 reported fewer symptoms while just two in the control group said their symptoms improved. The study also found those who took the supplements had improved mood when compared with the control group.1
A different, older study included 40 adults with Crohn’s disease. They were given either 1,500 mg of wormwood a day or a placebo. Symptoms were greatly improved in 65 percent of those taking wormwood, compared with just 15 percent in the control group.2 The patients taking wormwood also did not need as many steroids—a common Crohn’s medication—after eight weeks of supplements.3
Small studies of wormwood's use in people with Crohn's disease may show promising results. However, more research is needed on whether it is safe and effective.
Parasites
Parasites such as pinworm, roundworm, and tapeworms can infect the intestines and cause digestive health problems. Treatments drawn from compounds in wormwood have been used to treat these infections.
However, most research on wormwood's use as an anti-parasitic is based on animal study results that can't be interpreted as having the same value in humans.
One such study in mice, published in the Journal of Helminthology, found that wormwood caused parasites to lose muscle function and die. The treatment was shown to work as well as some leading anti-parasitic drugs.4
Digestion
About two-thirds of Americans experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhea.5 Research shows that wormwood can help with digestion and reduce spasms in the intestines and stomach.6
Wormwood also can boost appetite and help produce saliva, other digestive enzymes, or proteins that help with metabolism and support healthy digestion.7
Pain Management
A small study showed that wormwood can improve pain and reduce swelling in the body. The research included 42 people who received either 300 mg of wormwood extract per day, 600 mg of the extract per day, or a placebo for 12 weeks. Participants who took 300 mg per day said their pain levels were better, but the other two groups didn't have the same effect.8
A review of research literature published in 2018 found that all Artemisia species like wormwood are helpful herbal medicines for pain. They are thought to have antioxidants that help protect your cells through a chemical reaction. They also may reduce swelling.9
Arthritis and Immune Support
Inflammation is linked to many long-term diseases, acute and chronic pain, and reduced immune function. Artemisinin—a compound found in wormwood—may help. It stops the body from making cytokines, a kind of protein that causes inflammation.
Some people use wormwood to relieve the pain and swelling caused by arthritis. One study of 180 people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) looked at differences between those given either wormwood extract or a placebo for 12 weeks. Those taking the wormwood reported significant joint pain relief, with wormwood found to be safer than some common drugs used to treat RA.10
Another study of 90 people with knee pain found that putting 3 percent wormwood ointment on sore joints reduced pain and improved physical function in patients with osteoarthritis.
