ARTEMISIA TINCTURE
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Artemisia
Species: Artemisia absinthium
Synonyms: Absinthium officinale, Artemisia officinalis
Common Names: Wormwood, Absinthe, Green ginger
Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops
Main Actions: Antiparasitic, antimicrobial, bitter tonic, hepatoprotective
Other Actions: Digestive stimulant, antioxidant, febrifuge
Description: Artemisia absinthium is a perennial herb with silvery-green, deeply lobed leaves and yellow flowers. It has a strong, aromatic scent and a bitter taste.
Tribal and Herbal Medicine Uses: Traditionally used for treating digestive disorders, fever, and parasitic infections. Also used in herbal liqueurs and for its purported psychotropic effects.
Plant Chemicals: Absinthin, thujone, artemisinin, flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones
Biological Activities and Clinical Research: Artemisinin's antimalarial properties are well-studied. Thujone exhibits neurotoxic effects and is found in absinthe. Artemisia absinthium extracts show antimicrobial activity against various pathogens.
Current Practical Uses: Used in herbal medicine for digestive issues and as a bitter tonic. Sometimes used in the production of herbal liqueurs.
Main Preparation Method: Infusion, tincture, or encapsulation.
Main Uses: Digestive disorders, parasitic infections, liver support
Properties/Actions Documented by Research: Antiparasitic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use: Digestive stimulant, febrifuge
Cautions: Thujone content can be toxic in high doses. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Prolonged use can lead to liver toxicity.
Traditional Preparation: Infusion or tincture.
Contraindications: Pregnancy and breastfeeding, allergic reactions, liver disease
Drug Interactions: Potential interactions with medications metabolized by the liver. Caution advised with anticoagulant medications.
Recommended dosage: 0.7ml taken 2-4x daily in a small glass of water or juice on an empty stomach for better absorption.