What Are the Benefits Of Wormwood For Parasites?

Wormwood (scientific name: Artemisia absinthium) has been used as a traditional remedy for health issues like digestion, mental health, and especially the fight against parasites. One of the most notable uses of wormwood is in reducing and eliminating parasites from the body. Parasites like pinworms, roundworms, and others can cause various issues, leading to digestive disorders, fatigue, and malnutrition. Therefore, in this article, I will delve into the real benefits of wormwood and its mechanisms in killing parasites, based on scientific evidence.

Things to Know About Wormwood

Wormwood (also known as Artemisia absinthium) is a traditional herb that has been widely used in Europe for centuries. This herb is closely associated with the herbal liquor absinthe. This drink was once banned due to the strong medicinal properties in the alcohol, which caused many cases of alcohol poisoning due to uncontrolled consumption.

Some of the benefits that wormwood may offer:

• Parasite Cleansing: Another use of wormwood is for expelling intestinal parasites like pinworms, roundworms, and tapeworms... [1]
• Digestive Support: It is used to stimulate digestion and increase appetite by boosting saliva secretion and digestive enzyme production, as well as bile production. This not only helps improve appetite but also aids in better nutrient absorption. [2]
• Pain Relief: Wormwood can be applied topically to relieve muscle and joint pain. Specifically, alcohol prepared from wormwood is often used in massage & acupressure to alleviate rheumatic symptoms. [3]

Does Wormwood Kill Parasites?

The answer to this question is yes. Wormwood may kill parasites. Its antiparasitic effects mainly come from the active compounds thujone and sesquiterpene lactones. These compounds weaken the parasite's cell membranes, making them vulnerable to attacks by the body's immune system.

Wormwood is especially effective against intestinal parasites such as pinworms, roundworms, and tapeworms—parasites that can be contracted from unclean food or unsafe food practices. Moreover, the bitterness of wormwood stimulates digestive secretions in the stomach, creating an environment unfavorable for parasites to thrive.

What Does Science Say About Wormwood For Parasites?

More specifically, research and scientific evidence in this field show very promising results. A study published in Parasitology Research shows that wormwood extract has strong antiparasitic activity against a wide range of intestinal parasites. [4] Another study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology indicates that wormwood has antiparasitic effects comparable to standard pharmaceutical treatments. [5]

Although more clinical trials may be needed to better understand the efficacy and safety of wormwood, current studies support its use in eliminating parasites.

Benefits Of Wormwood in Killing Parasites

Have Antiparasitic Properties

The main benefit of wormwood in reducing parasites lies in its ability to kill and eliminate them. The thujone content in wormwood, along with other compounds, can disrupt the nervous system of parasites, killing them. This is especially useful for intestinal parasites like pinworms and roundworms.

Have Anti-inflammatory Effects

In addition to its antiparasitic properties, wormwood also has anti-inflammatory effects, which are beneficial for those suffering from secondary infections or inflammation caused by parasitic infections.

Antioxidant

As mentioned earlier, wormwood also contains antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body. This helps reduce oxidative stress, slows down aging at the cellular level, and contributes to overall health improvement.

Potential Immune Support

Finally, wormwood has immune-boosting effects. By eliminating parasites, reducing inflammation, and providing antioxidant protection, wormwood helps the immune system function more effectively in fighting harmful agents.

How To Take Wormwood For Parasites

Wormwood can be consumed in various forms, such as absinthe liquor, wormwood tea, capsules, wormwood powder, or incorporated into meals. In some South Asian countries, wormwood is used as a vegetable in soups and other dishes.

However, direct use of wormwood will provide its benefits and preserve its nutritional value most effectively. Capsules are also an optimal choice, as they allow for better control of dosage, especially since thujone in wormwood can be toxic in high doses, causing hallucinations, seizures, and other side effects. Therefore, using pre-measured capsules is a relatively safe solution.

How Much Wormwood To Take For Parasites?

Depending on the different forms of wormwood as well as your health concerns and desired usage, the recommended dosage for supplementing with wormwood will vary. For example:

• Tea: For tea, one teaspoon of dried wormwood in hot water for about 10 minutes, taken 1-2 times per day, is an appropriate dosage.
• Direct consumption of wormwood: When incorporating wormwood into your meals, use only a small amount to complement the dish so that it retains a balanced flavor. This can provide both a delicious meal and an effective remedy for eliminating parasites.
• Drops: For wormwood tincture or drops, the typical dosage ranges from 10-20 drops mixed with water or juice, taken up to 3 times daily, depending on the concentration.

Risks Of Using Wormwood

Wormwood is considered a potent herb but contains thujone—a compound that can be toxic at high doses. Therefore, using it in large amounts may pose the risk of wormwood poisoning. Additionally, there are some side effects you may experience, such as:

• Nausea, indigestion, etc.
• Insomnia
• Dizziness

Furthermore, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using wormwood as it can cause uterine contractions, leading to dangerous complications for the fetus. Similarly, those with a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorders may also want to avoid this product to reduce harm to the nervous system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wormwood is a powerful herb with a long history of reducing parasitic infections. Its strong antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties make wormwood a promising natural remedy for those dealing with parasites. However, due to its potent effects and potential risks, wormwood should be used cautiously and under the guidance of a doctor. When used correctly, wormwood can be a valuable tool in supporting digestive health and eliminating parasites.