Wormwood

How does Wormwood work?

Wormwood oil contains the chemical thujone, which excites the central nervous system. However, it can also cause seizures and other adverse effects.

Are there safety concerns?

Wormwood is safe when taken in the amounts commonly found in food and beverages including bitters and vermouth, which are thujone-free. Wormwood containing thujone is UNSAFE when it is taken in large amounts or over a long period of time.

Wormwood can cause restlessness, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, tremors, urine retention, kidney damage, and seizures. Other side effects include thirst, restlessness, numbness of arms and legs, paralysis, and death.

Do not use wormwood if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• You are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family, such as daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed.
• You have a blood disorder known as porphyria.
• You have a seizure disorder or epilepsy.