Indications
Artemisia absinthium, commonly called wormwood, is a very bitter herb used in Unani and other traditional systems of medicine. In this product it is one of the plant ingredients of a herbal liver and digestive tonic. Wormwood has traditionally been used for loss of appetite, indigestion, bloating and as part of liver tonics, and in some traditions against intestinal worms. Scientific evidence for these uses is limited, and it should not be relied on to treat liver disease, jaundice, worm infections or any serious illness.
How It Works
Wormwood contains strongly bitter compounds that are thought to stimulate the taste buds and increase the flow of stomach juices and bile (a digestive fluid made by the liver), which may improve appetite and digestion. It also contains an oil with a substance called thujone. In large amounts thujone affects the brain and nerves and can cause fits (seizures), which is why the amount used must be kept small.
Dosage and Administration
Use only as directed on the label or by a registered Unani or herbal practitioner. Do not take more than the recommended amount and do not use it for more than a few weeks without advice. Never use pure wormwood oil by mouth. If your symptoms do not improve, or get worse, see a doctor.
Interactions
Because thujone can make fits more likely, wormwood may reduce the protection given by medicines for epilepsy, such as Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine, Valproate or Phenytoin. It may also interact with other medicines that act on the brain. Avoid taking it with alcohol. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and herbal products you use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Epilepsy or a history of fits
- Kidney disease
- Porphyria (a rare inherited blood disorder)
- Allergy to wormwood or to plants of the daisy family, such as ragweed, marigold or chrysanthemum
- Young children
Side Effects
At small amounts in mixed herbal tonics, side effects are uncommon. Possible effects include stomach upset, nausea, headache and allergic skin reactions. Larger amounts or long use may cause restlessness, dizziness, sleep problems, muscle twitching and fits.
Get urgent medical help if you have a fit, confusion, severe dizziness, vomiting, reduced urine output, swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Wormwood can stimulate the womb and its thujone content may harm the baby, so do not use it during pregnancy. Do not use it while breastfeeding, as thujone may pass into breast milk.
Precautions and Warnings
This is a potent herb: keep strictly to the label dose and use it only for short periods. Do not use herbal liver tonics in place of medical care for jaundice, hepatitis or other liver problems. It is not recommended for children. People with stomach ulcers or a sensitive stomach should take advice first, as bitter herbs increase stomach acid.
Overdose
Overdose can cause vomiting, restlessness, confusion, fits, and kidney damage. If someone has taken much more than the recommended amount, or a child has swallowed the product, go to the nearest hospital straight away and take the pack with you.
Therapeutic Class
Unani herbal preparation (bitter herbal ingredient used in digestive and liver tonics).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the container tightly closed.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.