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Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): Bitter healing power for digestion and the mind
Even the famous physician Paracelsus knew: it is the dose alone that makes a substance a poison or a remedy. Hardly any plant embodies this principle as aptly as wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). In the 19th century, it was still abused as high-proof absinthe (‘the Green Fairy’) by artists such as Vincent van Gogh and was notorious for being ruinous due to the neurotoxin thujone; today, however, this medicinal plant often leads a life in the shadows, quite unjustly. Yet, in low doses, it has a fantastic, soothing effect on our digestive system and our mental well-being.
A medicinal plant dating back millennia
Wormwood was highly prized as far back as Greco-Roman antiquity, in the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus and by famous physicians such as Hippocrates. Hildegard von Bingen and Pastor Kneipp also relied on the healing power of this composite flower.
The botanical name Absinthium is thought to derive from the ancient Greek word for ‘undrinkable’ or ‘unpleasant’, a direct reference to the plant’s extremely high bitterness value. This stands at an impressive 15,000 to 25,000, meaning that the bitterness is still detectable even when heavily diluted.
The link between digestion and the mind
Wormwood is one of the classic aromatic bitter substances (Amara aromatica). On the tongue and in the stomach, they stimulate the production of gastric juice, bile and digestive enzymes via the vagus nerve and the hormone gastrin. This makes wormwood an excellent aid for:
Feeling of fullness, flatulence and heartburn
loss of appetite and sluggish digestion
discomfort following surgical removal of the gallbladder
The link to mental well-being is also fascinating: in naturopathy and botanical research, it is often observed that people with chronic digestive weakness also suffer from a weakened mental state, exhaustion or a melancholic mood. This is where wormwood comes into its own as a genuine energy booster. It boosts energy levels, instils a new zest for life and has a noticeable antidepressant effect.
Even modern studies confirm this ancient knowledge: for instance, a German double-blind study involving patients with Crohn’s disease demonstrated a remarkable cortisone-sparing effect, as well as a significant improvement in quality of life, following the intake of wormwood.
Are you wondering whether wormwood might also be of benefit for your symptoms?
With medicinal plants in particular, it all depends on your personal situation, the correct method of use and the dosage. We’d be happy to explore together which naturopathic options are right for you.
The right approach: less is more
When taking wormwood, it is important to choose the right form of administration and dosage. Those wishing primarily to support digestion should opt for organically grown teas or tinctures (e.g. from Salus or Quintessence).
If you wish to specifically address mental well-being and mood, it is best to use a special mother tincture (such as those from Ceres), in which the plant’s subtle energies are also transferred through gentle, handcrafted methods and maceration processes. Here, just 1 to 3 drops are entirely sufficient to provide gentle, long-term support. (Note: Wormwood should not be taken in cases of gastrointestinal ulcers, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.)
Holistic support at your naturopathic practice
Would you like to find out how you can use medicinal plants such as wormwood specifically to support your health, digestion or mental wellbeing?
We’re here to help!
Visit our website at www.bisch-dussmann.de or book an appointment directly at our naturopathic practice in Weil am Rhein. You can reach us by telephone on +49 7621 78810 we look forward to providing you with holistic support.
Warmest regards
Michaela Bisch-Dußmann
