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DigestionWeak evidence

Wormwood

Also known as: Artemisia absinthium

Wormwood is a very bitter herb whose bitter compounds stimulate digestive juices and bile. It also contains thujone, which is toxic to the nervous system at higher doses; the European Medicines Agency recognises only short-term traditional use for digestive complaints.

What it is used for

  • poor appetite and digestive complaints – weak evidence, traditional use recognised by the EMA
  • parasites and gut infections – weak evidence, good human studies are lacking

Forms and how they differ

1:3 tincture

contains alcohol; dose in drops per label

tea

very bitter, short-term only

antiparasitic blends

often with clove and walnut – quality depends on the label

When to take it

Before meals, short-term (a few weeks at most).

Pairs well with

Other bitters (gentian, artichoke).

Do not combine / separate

Do not combine with epilepsy medicines or other thujone-containing products (e.g. high-dose sage).

Watch out for

Not suitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, with epilepsy, stomach ulcers or allergy to daisy-family plants. With kidney or liver disease or when taking medicines, consult your doctor.

Safety

High doses and long-term use can cause seizures and kidney damage. Do not exceed the label dose.

Practical tip

For digestion a few drops before a meal are enough – more is not better.

Products containing Wormwood 1

WormwoodtinctureDigestion & gutLiver
How to read the evidence rating
Strong evidenceModerate evidenceWeak evidenceNo evidence

Strong = several good human studies or official recommendations; moderate = promising but smaller studies; weak = few studies or mixed results; no evidence = claims not confirmed.

Combination check

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Important notice

This information is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give medicine dosages. Supplements are no substitute for a varied diet; if pregnant, breastfeeding, ill or on medication, consult a doctor first.