Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is an herb that’s prized for its distinctive aroma, herbaceous flavor, and purported health benefitsArtemisia species are widely used in traditional medicine all over the world with different and well-known therapeutic applications. They exhibit anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antimalarial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities.People take Artemisia herba-alba for cough, stomach and intestinal upset, the common cold, measles, diabetes, yellowed skin (jaundice), anxiety, irregular heartbeat, and muscle weakness. It is also used for parasitic infections such as roundworms, pinworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and flukes.More Health BenefitsMay alleviate painWormwood has long been sought for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties For example, this herb may help relieve osteoarthritis, a painful condition resulting from joint inflammation. In a 4-week study in 90 adults with knee osteoarthritis, applying a 3% wormwood skin ointment 3 times daily helped improve both pain levels and physical function. All the same, it didn’t reduce stiffness. It should be noted that the plant itself should never be directly applied to the skin, as its compounds are too concentrated and can result in painful burns. Currently, there’s not enough research to determine whether teas or extracts of wormwood also reduce pain.May fight parasitic infectionsWormwood has been used to treat intestinal worms as far back as Ancient Egypt. This parasite-fighting property is attributed to thujone. Yet, the evidence for this specific application is largely anecdotal. Notably, animal and test-tube studies indicate that the herb may fight tapeworms and other parasites — though this research may not apply to humans. Thus, more comprehensive studies are necessary.Boasts antioxidant propertiesBesides thujone, another notable wormwood compound is chamazulene. It acts as an antioxidant and is most concentrated in the essential oils of the plant’s pre-flowering stage. Antioxidants like chamazulene may combat oxidative stress in your body, which is associated with cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and other ailments.May fight inflammationArtemisinin, another plant compound found in wormwood, may help fight inflammation in your body. Prolonged inflammation is associated with several chronic diseases. Artemisinin is thought to inhibit cytokines, which are proteins secreted by your immune system that promote inflammation. Studies suggest that wormwood may help relieve Crohn’s disease, which is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. Its symptoms may include diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal cramps, and other digestive issues. In one study in 40 adults with this condition, those taking a 500-mg wormwood supplement 3 times daily had fewer symptoms and a reduced need for steroids after 8 weeks, compared with those in a placebo groupWormwood has been associated with many benefits, such as alleviating pain and inflammation and fighting oxidative stress and parasitic infections. However, more scientific research is necessary.How to consume: 1. Steep 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of wormwood powder in one cup (250 mL) of boiling water.  2. Steep for 5-10 minutes; the longer you steep, the more bitter the flavor.