Smoking Wormwood
You've likely heard of absinthe before, as it's one of the most recognizable types of distilled spirits on the market today. However, wormwood and thujone have also become buzzwords in recent years, and you may be wondering if you can smoke wormwood or take absinthe in any other form than that which is served traditionally over ice with sugar cubes and a sprig of mint (absinthe also goes well with champagne and soda water). For more information on this topic, keep reading!
Can I smoke wormwood?
Wormwood is a plant related to mugwort, sage, and ragweed. It contains a chemical called artemisinin, used in some healthcare products. Artemisinin can also have hallucinogenic effects. Some people believe smoking wormwood can help calm the central nervous system. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Additionally, smoking wormwood can adversely affect your health, including causing damage to your central nervous system. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not smoke wormwood as it can harm your baby.
What is it and how is it used?
Wormwood is a plant that is a member of the Asteraceae family. Artemisia absinthium is also known as absinthe, absinth, and artemisia vulgaris. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, wormwood has been used for centuries in alcoholic beverages and as an essential oil. However, the FDA has not approved wormwood for human consumption, but some people believe that smoking wormwood can have a calming effect. With that said, always be careful of charlatans who try to sell you smokable products saying it's good for your health.
Is it considered a drug?
Thujone is a psychoactive chemical and can cause hallucinations and delusions. For this reason, wormwood is not considered safe to consume. Therefore, it is not advisable to smoke wormwood. However, you may use it in cooking and various other ways, such as making tea or adding to bath water.
Is wormwood a psychoactive?
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels
Wormwood is used for digestive problems, including loss of appetite, upset stomach, gall bladder disease, and intestinal spasms. It is also used for fever, malaria, worm infections, and liver disease. Some people use it as a tonic, and some take it by mouth for mental disorders, including depression and anxiety. However, more scientific evidence is needed to confirm any of these claims.
What is the difference between wormwood and absinthe?
Both wormwood and absinthe are made from the Artemisia absinthium plant. The main difference between the two is that absinthe is distilled, while wormwood is not. This means that absinthe contains more of the plant's oils, which gives it a more robust flavor. Wormwood is also less bitter than absinthe and doesn't have the same green color. Finally, absinthe contains higher levels of thujone, a chemical that can cause hallucinations.
What are the side effects of wormwood?
Wormwood is a bitter herb that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments. Today, it is best known as an ingredient in absinthe. While wormwood is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. These include digestive upset, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, seizures, nerve damage, kidney and liver, muscles, allergy, and hallucinations. Wormwood can also be toxic in large doses, so it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking it.
What happens if I smoke wormwood?
When considering smoking wormwood, you must be aware of the risks involved. Smoking wormwood can cause vomiting, seizures, and even death. Small amounts of thujone are found in absinthe, and drinking too much of this liquor can also lead to these adverse effects.
What are some of the benefits of wormwood?
Photo by cottonbro
Some benefits of wormwood include: reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, improving circulation, relieving pain, fighting parasitic infections, boasting antioxidant properties, fighting inflammation, and promoting detoxification. Additionally, wormwood is a natural insecticide used to repel pests. However, we do need to reiterate that more scientific studies need to be conducted to confirm any of those claims.
Wormwood with other herbs
Can I smoke it with other herbs or with cannabis?
Wormwood can be smoked on its own or with other herbs. When smoking wormwood, it's essential to go slowly at first to see how your body reacts. Some people find that smoking wormwood can cause nausea and vomiting, so it's best to start with a small amount. Ask your herbalist about the correct ratio if you smoke wormwood with other herbs. Smoking wormwood with cannabis can also be an excellent way to relax and unwind.
Can I use it as a tobacco replacement?
Wormwood has long been associated with smoking, and its use as a tobacco replacement is well documented. Many people believe that smoking wormwood can help cure tobacco addiction. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Additionally, smoking wormwood can be dangerous because it contains thujone, a substance that can be toxic in large amounts. If you're considering using wormwood as a tobacco replacement, you must speak with your healthcare professional first.
Conclusion - Can I smoke wormwood?
Yes, you can smoke wormwood. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks involved. Wormwood is a powerful herb that can have substantial effects on the body. When smoked, it can cause nausea and vomiting. Knowing that smoking wormwood can interact with certain medications is also essential. Therefore, it is always best to speak with a healthcare professional before using this herb.
So, what are you waiting for? Browse through our amazing herbal collection and find something that you will love today. We have something for everyone in our store.
As part of your switch from smoking pure or smoking tobacco to herbal smoking blends, you may find that smoking Damiana or smoking Raspberry Leaf may also suit you as base smokable herbs. You can discover these herbs to smoke and roll your own herbal cigarettes from Meo Marley's products!
Interested in trying out Passionflower in our Herbal Smoking Blends but don't have your Meo Marley's goodies yet? Get your Starter Pack with free delivery in Canada!
Like the information in this article? Follow us on Instagram and let us know by giving us a review on Facebook!
Wanna try more ways to complement your favorite herbs and learn about other ingredients in herbal smoking blends? Browse our other herbs here ---->
WANNA LEARN MORE ABOUT WORMWOOD? BROWSE OUR SOURCES BELOW!
Lachenmeier, D. W. (2010). Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.)—A curious plant with both neurotoxic and neuroprotective properties? Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 131(1), 224–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.05.062
Krebs, S., Omer, T. N., & Omer, B. (2010). Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) suppresses tumour necrosis factor alpha and accelerates healing in patients with Crohn’s disease – A controlled clinical trial. Phytomedicine, 17(5), 305–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2009.10.013
Msaada, K., Salem, N., Bachrouch, O., Bousselmi, S., Tammar, S., Alfaify, A., Al Sane, K., Ben Ammar, W., Azeiz, S., Haj Brahim, A., Hammami, M., Selmi, S., Limam, F., & Marzouk, B. (2015). Chemical Composition and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Wormwood (Artemisia absinthiumL.) Essential Oils and Phenolics. Journal of Chemistry, 2015, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/804658
Ahamad, J. (2019). A PHARMACOGNOSTIC REVIEW ON ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM. INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL of PHARMACY, 10(1), 25–31. http://eprints.tiu.edu.iq/689/
Bordean, M.-E., Muste, S., Marțiș, G., Mureșan, V., & Buican, B.-C. (n.d.). Health effects of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.): From antioxidant to nutraceutical. Journal of Agroalimentary Processes and Technologies, 2021(2), 211–218. Retrieved August 19, 2022, from https://www.journal-of-agroalimentary.ro/admin/articole/82316L31_Maria-Evelina_Bordean_27(2)_2021_211-218.pdf
Bhat, R. R., Rehman, M. U., Shabir, A., Rahman Mir, M. U., Ahmad, A., Khan, R., Masoodi, M. H., Madkhali, H., & Ganaie, M. A. (2019). Chemical Composition and Biological Uses of Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood). Plant and Human Health, Volume 3, 37–63. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04408-4_3
