The History and Uses of Wormwood

Wormwood is an herb that belongs to the artemisia genus and is cousin to both Sage and Mugwort herbs. The herb is surrounded by superstitions due to its baneful nature and the conditions in which it grows. The plant often grows in cemeteries, lich yards and other places of waste. This characteristic is responsible for the plant being named wormwood.

Wormwood is one of the ingredients in the original formulations of the neurologically devastating liquor Absinthe. That original version is banned in many countries replaced by a version free of wormwood and mistletoe. Many absinthe adorers claim that wormwood's prescience in the original formulation of the liquor caused a psycho-active response in the brain of the drinker.

The main chemical present in wormwood, coincidentally also the one to cause wormwood's famed hallucinogenic effects is called Thujone. Thujone is a very close cousin to THC, the main mind altering chemical found in marijuana. However, Thujone, differs markedly from THC in terms of safety.

Thujone, depending on the recipient of the chemical can be deadly when ingested. The effects the chemical will have on a person vary; they are dependent on the recipients liver function. A safe amount of thujone for one person may constitute a deadly dose for another.

Wormwood is mentioned in the book of Revelation in the Christian bible. According to the text wormwood is the substance that falls to earth and poisons all sources of fresh water.

Wormwood is often used as a natural pesticide. Gardeners often brew a tea with the herb and then use the tea to water their plants. The tea, heavy in thujone will kill insects and when used correctly will not injure the plants.

If brewing wormwood tea for use on plants, steep the herb in warm water and cover the pan so what little steam there is will not escape. DO NOT add boiling water to wormwood for steeping. Water this hot will cause the wormwood's thujone laden volatile oil to vaporize. This weakens the tea's potency and could prove irritating to your eyes, nose and throat.

Wash your hands carefully after making and using the tea. Also be sure to clean and sterilize the utensils, pans, or containers you used to make the tea.

Wormwood is also used for religious purposes, mainly by neo-pagans who use the herb for cleansing divination tools such as scrying mirrors and pendulums.

Tea made from wormwood is sometimes used to treat patients suffering from stomach parasites. Use of this herb is a tricky business. No one should attempt to self-medicate with wormwood. A doctor is the only one qualified to determine a safe dose of wormwood for medicinal purposes.

Avoid burning wormwood; its fumes are toxic. Also be wary of any herbal incense mixture that contains even a small amount of wormwood. Even a small amount can cause smoke that is irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. Also do not use wormwood oil for aroma therapy purposes.

Store wormwood herb and any unused wormwood tea in a safe place out of the reach of children.