Wormwood was once very popular, especially among artists, who chose absinthe, an alcohol containing wormwood, anise and fennel, as their favorite drink. Many people today associate wormwood exclusively with absinthe, but this herb has much more benefits than serving only as a raw material for alcohol. And I must say, our great-grandmothers knew about this.
general characteristics
Wormwood, or Chernobyl, is distributed throughout Europe, North America, Western Asia and North Africa. This plant from the Asteraceae family can often be seen on sunny hills, wastelands, forest glades, and mountain slopes. Chernobyl is a tall perennial with a straight, branched stem covered with fluff and silvery leaves. This herb blooms with yellow flowers, collected at the top of the stems in small, discreet baskets. During the flowering period, the plant secretes a resin that protects it from insects.
Content:
- general characteristics
- Chemical composition
- Benefits for humans
- Wormwood in folk medicine
- Natural medicines from Chernobyl
- Use in the food industry
- How to properly collect and prepare
- Possible side effects
Wormwood was known as a medicinal plant in ancient Babylon and Assyria, and the father of medicine, Hippocrates, mentions it in his works as a potion for jaundice and stomach diseases. In Algeria, an alcoholic infusion of wormwood is taken as a medicine against malaria. This plant is also known as a universal remedy against pests. Interestingly, in ancient times, wormwood juice was added to ink to repel mice from books. To drive moths away from various fabrics, they were also sprinkled with grass juice. And bouquets of this plant placed indoors will help get rid of flies. Interestingly, pets can also experience the benefits of wormwood. If cats or dogs are bothered by fleas, it is enough to bathe the animals in a strong Chernobyl decoction. The same decoction can be used to disinfect animal wounds. And wormwood infusion will come to the aid of gardeners and gardeners when they need to get rid of annoying caterpillars.
In addition, in ancient times, people believed that this bitter plant protected against witchcraft. It was believed that wormwood growing in the garden drove away evil spirits from the house.
Characteristics and distribution locations of wormwood
Wormwood or Artemisia absintium is a herbaceous perennial no more than 200 cm in height. It is characterized by a grayish-silver color, a specific smell, and a strong bitter taste. Straight stems with sterile shoots at the base and a branched upper part develop from the branched tap root. Leaves with bluntly pointed linear-oblong lobes. The lower leaves have long stalks and two or three pinnate dissections. The middle ones are characterized by short cuttings and a couple of dissections, in contrast to the upper pinnate ones, which are almost sessile. Paniculate inflorescences are collected from one-sided clusters of spherical baskets. Yellow flowers have a tubular structure. One part of them is classified as bisexual, the other as pistillate. By the end of summer - beginning of autumn, the fruits - achenes - ripen.
Wormwood grows in North Africa, Europe and Western Asia, and North America. In the vast expanses of Russia, grass can be found from the western border to the Yenisei River. The plant selects the soil of moderately moist meadows and vegetable gardens. Grows near forests, houses and roads.
Wormwood is poisonous to animals. In addition, I attribute mystical properties to this herb. Many peoples consider it a talisman against evil spirits. The Bible speaks of wormwood as a symbol of the bitterness of punishment for sins. In the East, the plant is associated with the memory of the Motherland. Residents of Ancient Rus' considered it a symbol of loss, grievances and sorrows.
Chemical composition
There are many varieties of wormwood and not all of them have healing properties. In addition, some varieties are difficult to distinguish from each other. In herbal medicine, branches, leaves and flowers of herbs rich in chemical components are used. Wormwood leaves, for example, contain glycosides, essential oil, flavonoids, tannins, organic acids, and vitamin C.
Recent studies have indicated the presence of specific compounds in wormwood leaves, which actually give the plant a bitter taste. In addition, it turned out that these substances also have antispasmodic and antiseptic properties. Other components found in wormwood include flavonoids, tannins and minerals; in particular, the plant contains a lot of potassium.
No less beneficial for humans is wormwood oil, which is obtained by steam distillation from the leaves and flowers of the herb. Chernobyl essential oil contains 28 active ingredients, and they make up 93% of the total chemical composition of the substance. But among the chemical elements in wormwood there is also a dangerous thujone, which, however, is removed from the plant during the alcohol production process.
Contraindications to the use of wormwood
But, despite such a huge number of beneficial properties, wormwood is far from harmless - there are significant contraindications to its use. As already mentioned, it should not be used by pregnant women. In addition, it is also dangerous during breastfeeding, with low acidity in the body, and with diseases of the intestines and stomach in acute forms. And of course, it should not be used by those who are allergic to wormwood. Even if there are none of the above restrictions, you still need to be very careful about how to drink wormwood. Too large doses, prolonged treatment, that is, uncontrolled use of wormwood can lead to convulsions, vomiting, fainting, nervous system disorders, and hallucinations. Therefore, it does not matter what exactly wormwood is used for - treatment should not be delayed for more than a month. It's better to take a break and then continue.
Benefits for humans
Wormwood has an antibacterial effect, cleanses the kidneys, relieves fever, activates metabolic processes, stimulates appetite, improves digestion, and has a beneficial effect on the urinary and bile ducts.
One of the most well-known benefits of this herb is its ability to eliminate parasites, including intestinal parasites. In addition, wormwood contains a substance known as artemisinin, which has antimalarial activity. And this is not all the beneficial properties of the plant. Research indicates that mugwort can inhibit the development of cancer cells and is also a useful remedy for anorexia, anemia, bloating and indigestion. Chernobyl has been known since ancient times as a medicine for digestive disorders and flatulence. In addition, the bitter taste of the herb promotes better production of bile and gastric juice, and wormwood tea has the properties of an energy drink.
Now let's talk about the scientifically proven properties of wormwood.
Treats malaria
Malaria is a serious disease caused by parasites. Infection occurs through the bite of an infected mosquito. Artemisinin, contained in wormwood, is a powerful antimalarial agent. Once in the infected body, this substance promotes recovery. WHO recommends wormwood-based preparations for people suffering from various forms of malaria.
Artemisinin, among other things, has antioxidant properties that remove free radicals from the body. And this is also an additional advantage in antimalarial therapy.
Has anti-cancer properties
According to recent studies, thanks to the already mentioned artemisinin, wormwood reduces the risk of the formation of malignant tumors and inhibits their growth. The effectiveness of the plant has been laboratory proven using the example of breast cancer cells. It is also interesting that while consuming Chernobyl, healthy cells do not experience any changes, but tumor cells die within 16 hours.
Removes parasites from the body
Wormwood is one of the most famous substances for removing endoparasites, in particular roundworms and pinworms. Pinworms are one of the most common parasites in the world and are very easily transmitted. Nematodes and worms are less common, but they are more dangerous to health. Tapeworm infections include severe itching, cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, blood in the stool, and weight loss despite proper nutrition. Parasites are found in most animals and are sometimes transmitted to humans. Fortunately, modern pharmacology offers many options for treating parasites. But this does not mean that “chemistry” is the only panacea. Before resorting to the help of the chemical industry, you can try the method that our great-grandmothers used. We are talking about wormwood extract. Perhaps the most effective folk remedy for parasites is to consume a mixture of black walnut, cloves and wormwood. And it must be said that the effectiveness of such a medicine has also been confirmed in scientific laboratories.
Helps treat Crohn's disease
Scientific research indicates that consuming mugwort extract three times daily may help reduce symptoms of this disease. A positive effect was recorded in 90% of patients participating in the experiment. But it should be said that these are only the first preliminary studies. But the effect of Chernobyl on an organism suffering from autoimmune diseases has already impressed scientists. Researchers continue to discover new properties of this herb.
Has antibacterial and antifungal effects
Laboratory studies confirm that wormwood essential oil has a strong effect on bacteria, viruses and fungi. Its action is so powerful that it destroys even virulent bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. By the way, several million people worldwide become victims of salmonella every year, children and the elderly are especially vulnerable. The bacterium E. coli is the cause of many diseases. It can cause diarrhea, infectious diseases of the genitourinary system, respiratory tract diseases and others. Wormwood helps maintain a healthy digestive system by destroying bacteria.
The effectiveness of the herbal extract was also determined against fungi. The most effective is wormwood essential oil, which also has antioxidant properties. Research indicates that the essential oil of this plant inhibits the growth of Candida fungi. And this is very important, since candidiasis has become a worldwide problem in recent years. These fungi can attack the entire body - the oral cavity, intestines, and reproductive system. But by consuming wormwood, you can get rid of the disease.
Protects the small intestine
Studies have shown that wormwood restores the natural intestinal microflora. It is known that the use of antibiotics has a bad effect on the state of the intestinal microflora. Scientists, comparing the effectiveness of antibiotics and herbal medicines, have come to some interesting conclusions. It turned out that herbs such as wormwood, oregano, thyme are effective in the treatment of intestinal diseases. The positive effect of herbal treatment was felt by 46% of the participants in the experiment. In addition, herbs, compared to antibiotics, do not cause dysbiosis and do not affect the functioning of the digestive tract. According to scientists, treatment with these herbs is almost as effective as using pharmaceutical medications.
How to take wormwood for weight loss
When used carefully, the plant is extremely useful during a diet. The medicinal herb effectively removes toxins from the body, regulates appetite and helps burn fat deposits.
Good results will come from consuming wormwood oil - to prepare it, you need to infuse fresh leaves in olive oil for 10 days. The finished product is filtered and taken shortly before eating, in a large spoon. Teas and herbal decoctions based on the plant also show a beneficial effect.
It should be noted that while taking the herb in the first few days of the diet, hunger may increase. You can suppress it by drinking at least 2 liters of water per day - your appetite will soon return to normal. In total, you should continue to take the plant for no more than 2 weeks, otherwise the body will be harmed.
Wormwood in folk medicine
This bitter plant has found use in folk medicine in many countries. For medicinal purposes, Chernobyl is collected from July to September. The raw materials are dried naturally in well-ventilated but dark places.
Once upon a time, crushed fresh wormwood leaves mixed with egg white were applied as a compress to bruises and wounds. Wormwood juice lotions were used to treat sore eyes. Herbalists treated stomach ailments and bad breath with Chernobyl infusions. The same medicine was given to people with any liver disease.
Infusions and tinctures from this herb were used to treat the stomach, drank in case of lack of appetite, chronic gastritis and intestinal diseases caused by decreased secretory activity of the stomach. In addition, wormwood was used to treat flatulence, intestinal colic, pancreatic dysfunction, and wormwood infusion was used to remove parasites, including lice and intestinal parasites.
Application in oncology
Wormwood is successfully used to solve problems associated with cancer. The root of this medicinal plant is often used for home remedies.
Cancer treatment
Crushed dried wormwood roots - 2 tbsp. l. Brew with a glass of boiling water. Cook under the lid for an additional 10 minutes, lowering the heat.
The cooled broth is squeezed out using a gauze cloth folded in two layers. Use 2 tbsp. l. Follow the healing liquid 25-35 minutes before breakfast, lunch, dinner. This treatment is indicated for the development of rectal cancer. Helps with cancer of the uterus and stomach.
Douching once a day is beneficial if malignant tumors are found in the uterus. For this purpose, add such an amount of warm boiled water to a glass of decoction to obtain a total volume of 1 liter.
Natural medicines from Chernobyl
To improve appetite three times a day, half an hour before meals, it is useful to drink a teaspoon of wormwood wine. Medicinal wine is prepared from 3-5 tablespoons of chopped herbs and half a glass of 40% alcohol. The ingredients are mixed and left for 24 hours. Then add 1 liter of white wine and leave overnight. In the morning, strain and can be consumed.
Wormwood tincture retains all the healing properties of the herb. But most often this medicine is used for diseases of the digestive system. In particular, with diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion. Prepare the tincture as follows. Fill the bottle with young leaves of grass and add alcohol. Leave in a warm place for a week, then strain. The strength of the finished tincture can be reduced by adding water to it. For severe diarrhea, take this medicine one tablespoon every 3 hours. In other cases, it is enough to consume 1 tablespoon per day.
And here is another popular recipe for Chernobyl tincture, which herbalists advise drinking a tablespoon 2-3 times a day to cleanse the blood and for stomach upsets. In a vessel put 3 dry branches of wormwood, 5 St. John's wort inflorescences with leaves, 1 geranium leaf, 8 black pepper grains, 10 raisins, 10 g of green tea, 1 tablespoon of honey and a liter of vodka. Close the vessel, wrap it in cloth and place in a pan of hot water for 2 hours. Then the mixture is infused for a week, after which it is filtered through several layers of gauze.
Wormwood for beauty preservation
In addition to getting rid of diseases, wormwood also helps preserve beauty.
If you have oily hair, you can wash your hair with wormwood infusion: pour a glass of fresh chopped herbs into 2.5 liters of boiling water and leave for half an hour.
The following recipes will help slow down skin aging:
- 250 gr. dry wormwood, pour two liters of boiling water. Let it brew for half an hour. Pour the strained infusion into the bath. Take it for 20 minutes one hour before bedtime.
- Fill 2/3 of a half-liter bottle with sunflower seeds. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 4 tablespoons of chopped wormwood. Close the bottle and place in a bright place. Leave for two weeks, shaking the contents daily. Then strain. This oil is good for massage. By the way, it will also help against cellulite.
Use in the food industry
Even in Ancient Egypt, wormwood was added as a seasoning to food, or rather to alcohol. Mainly for wines. The tradition of using Chernobyl in the preparation of alcoholic beverages continued in France in the 19th century. At that time, absinthe was popular, especially among bohemians. However, in those days, absinthe contained a lot of the toxic substance thujone, which has a detrimental effect on the central nervous system and causes addiction. Today, absinthe is safer.
Sometimes wormwood is added as a herb to fatty meat dishes, including goose, duck or lamb. It is believed that a small amount of this herb improves the taste of the finished dish. Fresh leaves are also added to some cocktails. In Morocco, for example, a small piece of Chernobyl leaf is traditionally added to a mixture of mint and green tea. This drink leaves an unusual bitter aftertaste. But in this matter, the main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise the tea will become very bitter and have an unpleasant odor. Surprisingly, the bitter taste of wormwood tea remains even if it is diluted in a ratio of 1:800. But it was precisely because of its bitterness that this herb in microdoses was once so often added to various sauces. Today, wormwood is used primarily for the preparation of bitters, vermouths, liqueurs, and flavored vodka.
Another use of wormwood
There is another use for wormwood that has not been mentioned. Its essential oil is used to make an alcoholic drink such as absinthe. By the way, translated from French the word “absinthe” means “wormwood”. This drink is very, very strong - 70 degrees. Its history is as old as wormwood itself. At one time they were also offered treatment. And very quickly this drink gained popularity. But intoxication with absinthe is different from intoxication with regular alcohol. It is closer to the intoxication of marijuana. And if absinthe is useful in small quantities, then in large doses it can cause nervous disorders. That's why it is banned in many countries. But the famous “Riga Balsam”, which also contains wormwood, is still sold and loved by many.
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How to properly collect and prepare
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Dried wormwood either does not contain thujone at all or is present in negligible quantities, which makes the dry plant safe for consumption. A medicinal infusion of Chernobyl is prepared from half a teaspoon of dry herbs and a glass of boiling water, the mixture is infused for 15 minutes. You can give a little more herb, but in this case the result is a very bitter infusion that is impossible to drink. The same applies to drinks aged for more than 15 minutes.
But no matter how bitter wormwood tea is, it is undesirable to add sweeteners to it, since sugar affects the medicinal properties of the herb. You can minimize the bitter taste by adding mint and anise to your tea. Wormwood is drunk in small sips.
Flowering and collection
It is not difficult for herbalists to identify this plant by its appearance; the characteristic signs of what wormwood grass looks like have been known for a long time.
In addition to the above-mentioned features of the appearance of this plant, this herb is easily recognized by its peculiar smell and grayish tint. The height of the plant can reach two meters. When used as medicine, it acquires a bitter taste.
The following ingredients are usually used: flowers, roots and non-woody aerial parts of wormwood.
The collection of grass leaves begins well before flowering, the stems already during flowering. Harvesting wormwood root, whose medicinal properties and contraindications will be described below, is carried out in the second half of summer. Wormwood seeds have also found their use and are used to treat various diseases, but they are used somewhat less frequently than other ingredients. All assembled components are dried, as a rule, in attics and other places inaccessible to sunlight.
When dried, widow's grass can retain its healing properties for two years. Often, after some time, the ingredients are ground into powder, which is much more convenient and easier to use. In addition, wormwood herb can be purchased at city pharmacies.
To understand how to brew and drink wormwood, you should first consider what substances it consists of and what it includes.
Mythological roots of wormwood
The plant's Latin name, Artemisia, refers to the Greek goddess of hunting and women's crafts, Artemis (known as Diana in Roman mythology). According to legend, Artemis used a decoction of wormwood when she gave birth to the inhabitants of Olympus. Doctors of Ancient Greece prescribed a decoction of wormwood for many ailments, and the winner of a chariot race was always given a cup with wormwood potion so that he would always remember: the sweetness of triumph is certainly associated with bitterness.
Hippocrates wrote enthusiastically about the truly magical healing properties of wormwood after his trip to the Black Sea region, and fifteen hundred years later another famous healer, Avicenna, classified all the characteristics of the beneficial properties of the plant in his treatise “The Canon of Medical Science.”
Wormwood wreaths were worn on the heads of the priestesses of the loving and wise Isis, the goddess of fertility, motherhood and cattle breeding. The Romans added plant powder to wine to enhance its intoxicating qualities, Taoists drank a decoction of wormwood when they wanted to see the mysterious islands of immortality with beautiful maidens, where it was impossible to get to in a sober mind (it is known that wormwood can cause hallucinations).
In Russian, the word “wormwood”, according to researchers, comes from the Slavic “fly”, that is, to burn, smoke. It is believed that the plant received this name for its characteristic aroma - bitter, tart and reminiscent of the smell of burning.
It was believed that the magical power of wormwood is so powerful that to protect against mermaids, for example, it is not even necessary to carry the leaves of the plant in your pocket or hand - it was enough to simply say the word “wormwood” out loud so that the evil spirits would get scared and run away. To protect against the evil eye and otherworldly powers, wormwood was burned in fires, woven into braids, and sewn into the hem of a shirt or dress. Slavic girls used wormwood wreaths to tell fortunes about their betrothed and their health.
