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Health Benefits of Wormwood

Written by andy

The health benefits of wormwood stretch far beyond what you’ve heard about it’s most popular biproduct, absinthe.

Wormwood may have an apocalyptic-sounding name, but you’ll find that it’s one of the most potent herbal remedies around. Not only has it been used for centuries as a treatment for intestinal parasites, but it has many other uses! Read on to find out everything you need to know about why you need wormwood in your medicine cabinet…

Here are some of the health benefits of wormwood:

Stimulates Digestion — Have you ever heard of taking “bitters” before eating? Bitters are an alcoholic preparation flavored with herbs, and those herbs give it a bitter taste. Bitters made with wormwood can stimulate your digestive system, as the flavor stimulates your gallbladder to produce more bile. It also causes your intestinal glands to secrete the enzymes necessary to break down your food.

Taking bitters made with wormwood can aid in healthy digestion, particularly for those who have weak digestive systems. If your body isn’t producing the proper amounts of stomach acid, taking a wormwood preparation may help to increase stomach acid production.

Wormwood also causes your intestines to empty out more quickly. For those who are suffering from a blocked bowel or constipation, wormwood bitters can aid unblocking the problem. Too much wormwood can cause diarrhea, but just the right amount will ensure that you can eliminate all that waste.

Kill Intestinal Parasites — Are you suffering from worms or parasites in your intestines? Drink a bit of wormwood bitters, and you’ve got a solution on your hands. Too much wormwood is toxic for your health, but small doses will not cause problems for you–only for the parasites and pathogens living in your intestines. Parasites like ringworms, roundworms, and tapeworms can be killed off thanks to the powerful compounds in wormwood!

READ MORE: How to Make a Tincture

Other Benefits of Wormwood:

  • It has proven effective at reducing swelling and irritation in the body. This makes it useful for treating problems like arthritis, psoriasis, and other skin problems.
  • Studies have found that wormwood can boost circulation. This can lead to improved overall health, as well as boosted libido, improved heart health, and better digestion.
  • Wormwood is an excellent source of antioxidants, and it has been linked to a rapid healing of wounds.
  • A Yale study discovered that giving wormwood to Crohn’s disease patients allowed them to taper off steroid use. It also improved the quality of their life and boosted their mood.
  • Some research has suggested that wormwood has neuroprotective properties, meaning it can help to prevent decay and degradation of the brain cells. For those worried about Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other age-related brain disorders, wormwood may be a valuable remedy to consider.

Now, one thing you need to know is that wormwood can be toxic if you ingest too much, or consume it for too long. For this reason, be VERY careful with your use of wormwood! Always check with a doctor before you dose with strong herbal remedies like wormwood.

If you are trying to take wormwood, the best way to do so is by drinking vermouth and wormwood bitters. These amounts are considered LIKELY SAFE. Taking excessive amounts of wormwood or wormwood oil can lead to a number of side effects, including:

  • Muscle breakdown
  • Seizures
  • Kidney failures
  • Restlessness
  • Urine Retention
  • Thirst
  • Paralysis
  • Even death!

Those who suffer from kidney disorders, porphyria, or seizure disorders should avoid wormwood like the plague, as it poses a very real threat! Pregnant and nursing mothers are also counseled to stay well away from anything that may contain wormwood.

Resources: http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/wormwood-herbal-remedies.htm, http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/harmful-organism-cleansing-benefits-wormwood/, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-729-wormwood.aspx?activeingredientid=729&activeingredientname=wormwood

About the author

andy

Some people get lucky and are born with fit, toned bodies. Andy Peloquin is not one of those people... Fitness has come hard for him, and he's had to work for it. His trials have led him to becoming a martial artist, an NFPT-certified fitness trainer, and a man passionate about exercise, diet and healthy living. He loves to exercise--he does so six days a week--and loves to share his passion for fitness and health with others.

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