What Is Wormwood?
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), also called common wormwood or grand wormwood, is a silvery perennial herb of the daisy family native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. It grows on dry, sunny ground and is easy to recognize by its finely divided, gray-green leaves covered in silky hairs and its strong, sharp aroma.
Wormwood is famous as one of the most bitter herbs in the world. It gave its name to absinthe, the green spirit of 19th century Paris, and it is still a key botanical in vermouth (from the German word for wormwood, Wermut) and in many traditional herbal bitters and liqueurs.
In European folk tradition, wormwood has been brewed as a bitter herbal tea for centuries, usually in small amounts and often before meals. It was also hung in homes and placed in closets and drawers, as its scent was believed to keep moths and insects away. Shakespeare mentions it, and the plant appears in almost every old European herbal.
Today dried wormwood is used to make wormwood tea, homemade bitters, vermouth-style and absinthe-style infusions, and moth-repellent sachets.
Our wormwood is wildcrafted and contains only the dried herb with nothing added. It is sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.
How to Use Wormwood Herb
- Wormwood tea: Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (about 0.5 to 1 g) of dried herb per cup (8 fl oz / 250 ml). Pour over hot water and steep for 3 to 5 minutes only, then strain. Drink in small sips, occasionally.
- Homemade bitters: Infuse a small amount in vodka or neutral spirit with orange peel and spices for 1 to 2 weeks, then strain. Use a few drops in cocktails.
- Moth sachets: Fill cotton bags with dried wormwood and place them in closets and drawers.
Safety
Wormwood contains thujone. Use only small amounts and only for short periods, never daily for long. Do not use during pregnancy or while nursing, and do not give to children. Avoid if you have epilepsy or a seizure disorder, kidney problems, or are allergic to plants of the daisy family. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.
Read our full guide: How to brew wormwood tea: our guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What does wormwood taste like?
Wormwood is intensely bitter, with a sharp, herbal and slightly medicinal aroma. It is one of the most bitter herbs known.
What is wormwood tea?
Wormwood tea is a traditional bitter tea made by briefly steeping a small amount of dried Artemisia absinthium in hot water.
Is wormwood used in absinthe?
Yes. Artemisia absinthium is the herb that gives absinthe its name, and it is also used in vermouth and bitters.
How can I make wormwood tea less bitter?
Use less herb, steep only 3 minutes and add honey, mint or lemon.
How should I store wormwood?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.