Known for its bitter taste and ancient medicinal uses, wormwood, also called true wormwood, stands out among natural health options. Traditionally used to aid digestion and combat parasites, this plant contains compounds that can bring specific benefits.
Under the scientific name of Artemisia absinthewormwood is a plant that grows in regions of Europe, Western Asia and North Africa and has historically been an important therapeutic resource for the digestive tract.
Current research continues to investigate its effects and reaffirms the importance of careful consumption due to the presence of potentially toxic compounds.
Benefits of wormwood tea
Wormwood contains bioactive compounds, such as sesquiterpenes, essential oils and phenols, which give it antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and digestive actions. “The bitter taste of wormwood stimulates the secretion of bile, which helps with digestion. It is also used to combat intestinal parasites, inflammatory problems, fever and even as an antipyretic”, explains Sabina Donadelli, clinical nutritionist and member of the Brazilian Academy of Gastronomy.
Furthermore, the plant has demonstrated beneficial actions in pharmacological studies, with properties that go beyond digestion. “Absinthe has been linked to antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and even neuroprotective effects. It also has cytotoxic and “hepatoprotective” potential, protecting liver cells”, adds Adriane Kulibaba, clinical nutritionist at Angelina Caron Hospital.
She reinforces that these effects can contribute to the control of mild infections and conditions such as arthritis, making wormwood an ally in treatments that require anti-inflammatory action.
The plant is also used to treat symptoms such as digestive discomfort, acidity and stomach pain. The bitter principle of wormwood contributes to the increase in gastric, salivary and bile secretions. These properties make it a valued option in different systems of traditional medicine, especially to treat gastrointestinal infections and other diseases associated with parasites.
How to prepare wormwood tea
Preparing wormwood tea is simple, but it is important to pay attention to the recommended dosage, as the plant can be toxic in excess. Follow the steps below for a safe infusion:
- Ingredients: 1 to 2 teaspoons of dry wormwood leaf and 200 ml of water.
- Preparation: boil the water, turn off the heat and add the leaves.
- Infusion: cover the container and let the tea steep for about 10 minutes.
- Strain and serve: strain and consume the tea while it is still warm, preferably up to 30 minutes before meals.
Contraindications and safe consumption
Due to the presence of thuione, a toxic compound, wormwood tea is not recommended for children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with liver disease.
Furthermore, consumption should not exceed two consecutive weeks without medical advice. “A safe dose for tea is one to two teaspoons of dry leaf per cup, with a limit of two to three cups a day”, advises Donadelli.
Kulibaba reinforces that people with gastric ulcers, biliary obstruction or allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should also avoid tea.
According to experts, wormwood continues to be the subject of studies, which seek to understand its properties and expand the medicinal applications of the herb. However, for safe consumption, it is essential that wormwood intake is moderate and monitored by a healthcare professional.
