Wormwood (mugwort wormwood) is an inconspicuous-looking herb with he alth-promoting properties. Used for centuries in folk medicine, it returns to favor again. It is a natural remedy for problems with the digestive system and female ailments. However, it should be remembered that wormwood should not be used for too long and you should always respect the permitted amount of its daily consumption.
Wormwood(LatinArtemisia absinthium , mugwort wormwood, vermouth, dog rue,absinthe ) is nothing more than a perennial, which does not need much to survive even in more difficult conditions, so it can be found in different parts of the world - Europe, Asia, North America and parts of Africa.
Wormwood is also found in Poland, where for medicinal purposes it is harvested at the time of flowering, i.e. usually in the middle or at the end of April. At one time, wormwood caused a lot of controversy, and this is due to absinthe, i.e. high-percentage alcohol, which is produced on the basis of the extract of this herb. It was said to be the favorite alcoholic drink of many famous artists (Vincent van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso), but it was infamous for being psychoactive and even hallucinating.
An infusion of wormwood is absolutely safe, but you must follow the recommended daily intake, as drinking too much can lead to diarrhea or vomiting.
What makes this average-looking plant so appreciated by people who use natural methods of treatment? Well, mugwort has a bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and choleretic effect, it is also an effective weapon in the fight against parasites. All thanks to the fact that it contains, among others tannins, essential oils, mineral s alts and flavonoids.
Wormwood - properties and application
Wormwood works primarily in ailments of the digestive system.
Helps with indigestion, all kinds of gastritis, with symptoms that indicate a malfunctioning of the digestive system, e.g. heartburn, flatulence, a feeling of heavy stomach in the stomach, belching.
It is also used in the case of problems with the liver and gallbladder, because it helps to drain bile intoduodenum.
Thanks to its specific taste, it stimulates the appetite and speeds up the metabolism. It is also known for its cleansing properties, therefore it is recommended for mild ailments related to the urinary system.
Wormwood is also used to regulate menstrual cycles (it was even called maiden herb in the past). It is also used as an auxiliary in anti-parasitic treatment.
Regularly drunk infusion helps to fight parasites of the digestive tract (including human roundworms, nematodes and pinworms).
However, after cooling down, you can also use it externally (or use ready-made wormwood oil).
It is gently rubbed into the skin in case of coughing, and also in the case of head lice and scabies.
Wormwood - how to eat?
For pro-he alth purposes, it is best to use an infusion of wormwood. One teaspoon of it should be poured into a glass and poured over with boiling water. Brew for 20 or even 30 minutes, then strain and drink half a teaspoon, maximum three times a day.
You can add a little sugar or honey to the infusion, because wormwood is quite bitter. You can also prepare a decoction in a specific proportion - one glass of water for one or two teaspoons of wormwood.
Bring to a boil, cook for about five minutes, then cool and drain. The decoction can be used externally.
ImportantWormwood - contraindications
Contraindication to the use of wormwood is allergy to the ingredients of the herb, but it does not happen very often. It cannot be used by pregnant women or children, because in these cases it may cause undesirable effects. Also people who are prone to bleeding or hemorrhoids and diagnosed with gastric or duodenal ulcers should not drink infusions of wormwood.
Others can benefit from its pro-he alth properties, but remember not to use it for too long (e.g. for 10 days, then take a break for several weeks) and follow the recommended daily intake.