Worried about Wormwood? What you want to know about artemisia absinthium.

copywrite 2016 Katherine Drovdahl All Rights Reserved

     Yesterday I was asked once again about wormwood.  Many people have legitimate concerns, having heard that wormwood isn't safe during pregnancy.  Due to the controversy about this herb I spend extra timing researching it when I was studying for my Master's Degree in Herbology.  I can also throw in over a decade of personal use with this plant with humans and pets/livestock.

     First the concern.  It IS true that if your animals get out and scarf a large amount of wormwood at once that they may lose a pregnancy or have convulsions.   The truth is that overeating on ANY plant can cause acidosis, entertoxemia or other problems specific to that plant.   Also using this plant in tincture form or oil form highly concentrates the phyto (plant) chemicals in this plant- namely the thujone- greatly increasing the risk of having an adverse effect.   Absinthe, made with wormwood as one of the ingredients for several centuries, caused many problems in those that became addicted to it. 

     However,   used in it's whole plant form, and in quantities no where close to the 'goats got out and ate a big patch of it' situation this herb has much value to offer.   It's helpful in gi and distresses,  aids bile movement and liver function, helps protect the liver from plant toxins that are ingested around the same time, aids the body in oxygenating the uterus as well as having natural antibiotic properties.   Most people are aware of it's anthelmintic (worm removing) properties.  It's also historically used as a tanaecide to help the body kill tapeworms.   It's a very valuable plant and I love using it with my pregnant goats, alpacas and horses due to the uterine enhancing and toxin protecting properties within my DWorm A herb blend that we sell on our website.  

     May you be fully blessed!

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copywrite 2016 Katherine Drovdahl All Rights Reserved