Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a perennial plant with a branched tree and semi-shrub shape. It grows up to 1 meter. The stem is round with pinnately divided leaves. Wormwood preparations should not be drunk for more than 4-6 weeks. Flower tops with leaves are used, which are harvested in June and July until the wormwood is in full bloom. The leaves are harvested during the fall. It dries in the shade for 2-6 weeks. A biennial plant is chosen. Chemical composition: a lot of bitter substances, abistin, anabsithin, about 5% of azulene essential oil, malic and succinic acid, tannin and iron. The oil has terpene, about 3% thujone (called tanacetone or salvon) which makes wormwood oil poisonous.
Signs of wormwood poisoning are headache, confusion, vomiting and fainting. It occurs in overdose and excessive use of wormwood brandy, and in causing abortions.
Medicinal effect: wormwood is a typical bitter aromatic herb. It is used alone or with other bitter herbs to increase appetite, improve digestion and carminative agent (removes gas from the intestines), against intestinal parasites (Vpiće Varmouth originates from vermis-worm), to regulate menstrual cycles, against diabetes, fever and epilepsy. Chronic poisonings have been reported due to long-term daily use of wormwood drinks (Wermouth, absinthe).
Wormwood is used in the form of tea, tincture and powder. Wormwood from one cooks because of the strong bitterness. Just let go of the steam. Wormwood powder is also used by releasing steam (no cooking). Wormwood as a tonic serves to strengthen, as an amarum to stimulate appetite, a digestive to regulate digestion, a carminative against bloating.
Graphic workers use wormwood for lead and mercury poisoning: drink 2 small cups of tea in sips during the day. Tea is prepared by evaporating one small spoon of wormwood with 2 dl of boiling water. After 10 minutes strain the tea. Wormwood with lemon balm (Melissa off.) In the same parts has a stimulating effect on the nerves and brain function. It strengthens eyesight if you rinse your eyes twice a day with this tea.
Pain and cramps during the menstrual cycle: 20 g of wormwood leaves and 20 grams of willow bark leaves (Salix caprea), 10 grams of chicory (Cichorium intybus). Chop the herbs and mix well. Put 10 grams of the mixture in one liter of boiling water. Cook covered for 2 minutes. When the tea has cooled add 5 grams of honey. Stir well. Strain. Drink 1 dl every 2 hours.
Tincture preparations: Soak 50 g of wormwood flower in half a liter of cognac. Leave for 14 days. Then filter. Take 30 to 60 drops three times a day or one teaspoon of tincture 2 times a day. Relieves pain and nausea. Can be used on trips. Against strong weight loss, take 20 to 30 drops of wormwood tincture in the evening, 25 to 30 drops of rosehip tincture half an hour before meals.
Preparation of wormwood brandy: 15-20 g of wormwood (one third with flowers) soak for eight days in one liter of red wine. Strain. Drink one glass a day half an hour before meals.
Wormwood oil. It is obtained by the extract of unbloomed flowers. It is taken 3 times a day, 10 drops before meals for diseases of the liver, spleen, blood clotting, gynecological diseases and strengthening the stomach.
It is necessary to strictly and disciplinedly follow the instructions to prevent poisoning by wormwood or other medicinal preparation. In case of poisoning with mushrooms and pesticides, a larger amount of diluted apple cider vinegar in which wormwood was cooked can be taken as first aid until the doctor arrives.