Leaf & Herb · Other
Wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium)
Moderate Evidencebotanical3 PubMed Studies
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains bitter compounds called absinthin and artabsin that stimulate digestive enzymes and bile production. These sesquiterpene lactones also demonstrate antimicrobial activity against intestinal parasites and pathogenic bacteria.
Wormwood, derived from the leaves and flowering tops of the Artemisia absinthium plant, is native to Europe and Asia. The plant is harvested and processed for its bitter compounds, traditionally used for digestive health.
Some preliminary studies suggest Wormwood may support digestive health and liver function, though more research is needed for conclusive evidence.
Commonly used in doses of 3-5 grams of dried herb or equivalent extract daily. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
- Rich in sesquiterpene lactones, which support digestive health. - Contains flavonoids with antioxidant effects. - Provides essential oils that support overall well-being.
Wormwood's primary bioactive compounds, absinthin and artabsin, activate bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) in the digestive tract, triggering vagal stimulation that increases gastric acid and bile secretion. The sesquiterpene lactones artemisinin and chamazulene disrupt parasite cell membranes and inhibit bacterial protein synthesis. These compounds also modulate inflammatory pathways by suppressing NF-κB activation and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Small-scale studies (n=20-60) have shown wormwood extracts containing 0.2-0.6% thujone can reduce symptoms of functional dyspepsia and improve fat digestion within 2-4 weeks. Traditional use studies indicate effectiveness against intestinal worms, particularly when combined with other antiparasitic herbs. However, most evidence comes from in vitro studies and small pilot trials rather than large-scale randomized controlled trials. More robust clinical research is needed to establish optimal dosing and long-term safety profiles.
Wormwood contains thujone, which can cause seizures and neurological toxicity at high doses above 10mg daily. It should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential abortifacient effects. Wormwood may interact with anticoagulant medications and diabetes drugs by affecting blood sugar levels. Extended use beyond 4 weeks is not recommended without medical supervision due to potential liver toxicity.
4 documented interactions for Wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium). Click any row to read the full explanation. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
DANGEROUS COMBINATION. Wormwood contains thujone, which blocks GABA-A receptors and directly lowers your seizure threshold. Lamotrigine prevents seizures primarily by stabilizing sodium channels and reducing glutamate release. Thujone undermines lamotrigine's protection by increasing neuronal excitability through a pathway lamotrigine does not cover, risking breakthrough seizures.
What to do: Absolutely avoid wormwood if you take Lamotrigine. Lamotrigine is used for both epilepsy and bipolar disorder — if you take it for mood stabilization, you may not realize you are still at risk for thujone-induced seizures even without a seizure history. Lamotrigine requires slow dose titration (risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome), and a seizure caused by wormwood could lead doctors to increase your dose unnecessarily. There is no safe amount of wormwood with anticonvulsants.
Timing: Take Lamotrigine as prescribed. Wormwood can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Botanicals contain complex phytochemicals — always inform your prescriber about herbal supplements. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →DANGEROUS COMBINATION. Wormwood's thujone is a GABA-A receptor antagonist that lowers the seizure threshold. Phenytoin prevents seizures by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels to reduce repetitive neuronal firing. Thujone attacks seizure control through a completely different mechanism (GABA inhibition) that phenytoin's sodium channel blockade cannot compensate for.
What to do: Do NOT use wormwood in any form while taking Phenytoin. Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic window — blood levels must stay between 10-20 mcg/mL for efficacy without toxicity. A wormwood-triggered seizure may prompt your doctor to increase phenytoin, pushing you closer to toxic levels (causing nystagmus, ataxia, confusion). Wormwood is found in absinthe, some bitters, and herbal parasite cleanses. Avoid all of these.
Timing: Take Phenytoin as prescribed. Wormwood can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Botanicals contain complex phytochemicals — always inform your prescriber about herbal supplements. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →DANGEROUS COMBINATION. Thujone in wormwood antagonizes GABA-A receptors, increasing brain excitability and lowering the seizure threshold. Carbamazepine controls seizures by blocking sodium channels, but it also induces CYP3A4 liver enzymes. This means carbamazepine may actually speed up the absorption and metabolism of thujone in unpredictable ways, while thujone simultaneously undermines seizure control.
What to do: Never use wormwood products while on Carbamazepine (Tegretol). Carbamazepine is a powerful enzyme inducer that alters the metabolism of many substances — the interaction with wormwood compounds is pharmacokinetically unpredictable. Carbamazepine also carries a risk of blood disorders (aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis), so any unnecessary supplement that could complicate your treatment must be eliminated. Avoid absinthe, herbal bitters, and parasite cleanse products containing wormwood.
Timing: Take Carbamazepine as prescribed. Wormwood can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Botanicals contain complex phytochemicals — always inform your prescriber about herbal supplements. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →DANGEROUS COMBINATION. Wormwood contains thujone, a neurotoxin that blocks GABA-A receptors and provokes seizures. Valproic acid prevents seizures through multiple mechanisms — enhancing GABA levels, blocking sodium channels, and inhibiting T-type calcium channels. Despite this broad protection, thujone's direct GABA-A antagonism can overwhelm valproic acid's GABA-enhancing effect and trigger breakthrough seizures.
What to do: Do NOT take wormwood with Valproic Acid (Depakote/Depakene). Valproic acid is uniquely concerning because it already requires liver function monitoring (risk of hepatotoxicity) and can cause pancreatitis. Adding wormwood — which also contains compounds that stress the liver — compounds the hepatotoxic risk alongside the seizure danger. If you use valproic acid for migraines or bipolar disorder rather than epilepsy, the seizure risk from wormwood still applies. Call 911 if a seizure occurs.
Timing: Take Valproic Acid as prescribed. Wormwood can typically be taken with a meal, spaced 1-2 hours from the medication for clean absorption. Botanicals contain complex phytochemicals — always inform your prescriber about herbal supplements. Discuss this combination with your pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Full interaction details →Educational information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before changing your supplement or medication regimen.
