Wormwood, known by the scientific name Artemisia absinthium, is a perennial plant used to make alcoholic beverages.
On the other hand, despite its bitter taste, wormwood has been traditionally used for centuries to manage medical problems. One of the most popular uses of this plant is to combat intestinal parasites. Specialists warn us, however, to consume wormwood tea with caution, because it contains thujone, a toxic compound in large quantities. Discover what benefits wormwood tea can bring, but also when it is contraindicated.
What is wormwood tea good for?
As it presents Medical News Today, wormwood contains numerous important bioactive compounds such as coumarins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, artemisinin and absinthe isomers. On the other hand, it contains thujone, a compound that becomes neurotoxic in large quantities.
Wormwood tea can have the following benefits:
Fighting Intestinal Parasites: As it presents VeryWellHealth, wormwood tea can be used as an adjuvant in the treatment against intestinal parasites. Although not as strong as drugs, wormwood has been shown to be effective against some intestinal worms such as pinworms and tapeworms. right Healthline, this benefit is due to the thujone content. However, studies are limited. If you have symptoms of a parasite infection, it is essential to see your doctor for treatment;
Reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation: As shown in the previously mentioned sources, the compounds in wormwood have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress have been associated with the development of chronic diseases. Artemisinin can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Also, B. Omer and collaborators showed in the study „Steroid-sparing effect of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) in Crohn’s disease: a double-blind placebo-controlled study”, that taking a wormwood supplement for 8 weeks in patients with Crohn’s disease (inflammatory bowel disease) improved quality of life, improved symptoms, and reduced the need for corticosteroids. However, it is not known whether wormwood tea would have the same effect;
Antibacterial and antifungal properties: As the sources above show, wormwood may act against some pathogenic bacteria and fungi, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans;
Liver protection: Wormwood also has hepatoprotective action, study shows „Artemisia absinthium L.—Importance in the History of Medicine, the Latest Advances in Phytochemistry and Therapeutical, Cosmetological and Culinary Uses”, by Agnieszka Szopa and collaborators. The herb might reduce liver damage from some medications;
Analgesic properties: The same sources report that wormwood extract could also be used for pain relief due to its anti-inflammatory effect. The study „Effect of Artemisia annua extract on treating active rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial”, by Min Yang et al., showed that taking a wormwood supplement in patients with osteoarthritis can decrease joint tenderness, inflammation, and pain. It is not known, however, whether wormwood tea has the same effect.
Wormwood tea for the stomach
Traditionally, wormwood tea is often used to control digestive problems such as dyspepsia (indigestion), flatulence, and stomach aches. According to the study „Artemisia absinthium L.—Importance in the History of Medicine, the Latest Advances in Phytochemistry and Therapeutical, Cosmetological and Culinary Uses”this plant could improve digestion, stimulate appetite and have anti-ulcer activity.
Wormwood powder benefits
Wormwood tea is also available in powdered or powdered form. It is consumed as such, in small quantities. The manufacturers recommend taking it with honey to reduce the bitter taste.
Wormwood powder is associated with the same potential benefits as listed above. In any case, until this moment, there are no recommendations on the right dose. Consumed in powdered form, wormwood tea provides more concentrated amounts of active substances. Precisely for this reason, the fact that the risk of toxicity is higher must also be taken into account. It is important to seek specialist advice before starting to use such a product.
Wormwood tea contraindications
Natural products are not without risks. Therefore, wormwood tea cannot be used by anyone. right Healthlineit is contraindicated for the following categories of people:
Children, pregnant and lactating women: In pregnancy, thuion from wormwood increases the risk of miscarriage. Also, the effects of the plant during breastfeeding and childhood are not known;
Patients with epilepsy: Tuiona stimulates the nervous system. Thus, wormwood may interact with anticonvulsant medications and increase the risk of seizures;
Patients with kidney diseases: Wormwood can be toxic to the kidneys, being contraindicated for people with chronic kidney disease;
Patients with heart conditions: If you are being treated with anticoagulants, wormwood may interact with these pharmaceutical substances, increasing the risk of bleeding;
People with allergies: Wormwood is part of the botanical family Asteraceae. If you are allergic to other plants in the same family, such as ragweed or marigold, avoid wormwood tea.
If you are diagnosed with a chronic disease or are taking medication, ask your doctor before using any natural product.
Wormwood tea washes
Vaginal washes with wormwood tea are a popular practice among women in our country. When symptoms of a vaginal infection such as candidiasis appear, many women do vaginal douches with this tea in order to eliminate the pathogen.
It is true that the plant has demonstrated effects against pathogens such as Candida albicans, which probably led many women to use the tea vaginally. In any case, vaginal douches can be associated with a number of risks, warns Kimberly Holland in the article “What Is a Douche and Is Douching Safe?”:
Favoring and aggravating vaginal infections – douching can cause the infection to spread to other areas of the reproductive system. In addition, they affect the vaginal flora (beneficial bacteria), which protect the vagina against pathogens. Thus, harmful microorganisms multiply in excess;
Complications in future pregnancies (such as miscarriage) and risk of ectopic pregnancy;
Pelvic inflammatory disease – infection of the internal genital organs;
Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix).
Therefore, vaginal douches should not be performed without a doctor’s recommendation.
Gargle with wormwood tea
Traditionally, wormwood tea is also used for gargling. Some people use it to remove the unpleasant smell of the oral cavity. Others gargle with a decoction or wormwood tea to relieve sore throats and gingivitis, the plant having anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. However, there are no clinical studies to support these uses.
Therefore, wormwood could have a number of important health benefits. However, not enough studies have been conducted to confirm its effects. Do not forget that no natural product replaces the consultation and treatment prescribed by the doctor or a balanced lifestyle.
Source: StirilePROTV
Publication date: 08-12-2023 14:56
2023-12-08 12:56:00
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