Buy wormwood: the most bitter herb in the cupboard
Wormwood is a grey-green perennial from the daisy family that grows wild across much of Europe and Asia. Its botanical name refers to the Greek goddess Artemis, while absinthium comes from the Greek apsinthion. The herb is best known as the main ingredient of absinthe, the green liqueur that was popular with artists like Vincent van Gogh in 19th-century Paris.
Specifications
Active compounds
The bitter taste comes from sesquiterpene lactones such as absinthin. Wormwood also contains essential oil with thujone. In the body, thujone blocks GABA-A receptors, the nervous system's braking system. At high doses this can cause restlessness, cramps and even seizures. That's why the EU sets a limit of 35 mg of thujone per kilo for drinks made with wormwood. According to later research, the notorious reputation of 19th-century absinthe was mainly due to its very high alcohol content, not thujone.
Making wormwood tea
Use about one gram, a level teaspoon, per cup of hot but not boiling water and let it steep for five to ten minutes. The tea is very bitter. A few peppermint leaves or a little anise soften it slightly. Stick to one cup at a time and don't use wormwood daily or for long periods.
Making your own absinthe
Real absinthe is distilled, which leaves some of the bitter compounds behind. If you simply steep wormwood in alcohol, you get a much more bitter herbal liqueur with an unknown thujone content. So keep quantities small and stick to a small glass. The absinthe kit contains the herbs you need, with instructions.
Safe use
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Do not use if you have epilepsy or take anti-epileptic medication.
Do not use if you're allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as chamomile, arnica or ragweed.
Not suitable for children.
If you experience restlessness, nausea, dizziness or muscle cramps, stop and contact a doctor.
Common sage also contains thujone, so don't use the two together in large amounts.
Frequently asked questions
Is wormwood legal?
Yes, wormwood is freely available as a herb in the Netherlands. Absinthe has been legal again in the Netherlands since 2004, within the European thujone limit.
What's the difference between wormwood and mugwort?
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is related to wormwood, but much less bitter and contains less thujone.
How should I store wormwood?
Dry, dark and airtight. That keeps its aroma and bitterness intact for longest.
You'll find more herbs for tea among our relaxing herbs and in our herb shop.
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