Wormwood is a bitter, aromatic herb with a long history in traditional European and Middle Eastern medicine. Known for its powerful digestive and antiparasitic properties, this silvery-green plant has been used for centuries to stimulate appetite, support liver function, and help the body eliminate unwanted pathogens, particularly in the gut.
The potency of wormwood comes from its high concentration of bitter compounds like absinthin and artabsin and volatile oils like thujone, which give the herb its strong scent and flavor. These constituents stimulate bile production, enhance enzyme secretion, and improve sluggish or stagnant digestion. Wormwood is often used in protocols to support parasite cleansing, manage dysbiosis, and address issues like bloating, gas, and poor nutrient absorption.
In addition to digestive support, wormwood exhibits antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects, and is sometimes included in bitters formulas to promote regular elimination and liver detoxification. Its intense bitterness also makes it useful for recalibrating the body’s natural appetite cues and digestive rhythm.
The taste of wormwood is extremely bitter and pungent, with a sharp, resinous edge—not typically consumed alone as tea, but rather as a tincture, capsule, or as part of a larger formula where its bitterness plays a key functional role.
