A Greek word came to Latin as absinthĭum and then to our language as absinthe. It identifies a plant whose scientific name is Artemisia absinthium, which is used to make alcoholic beverages and medicines.
Absinthe belongs to the group of herbaceous and perennial plants. It usually reaches a height of one meter, with greenish leaves, light yellow flowers and a very small fruit.
With a very bitter taste, wormwood was traditionally used as medicine since it has various properties that can be beneficial for the body, although it must be supplied with caution in view of the toxicity of its oil. Wormwood can contribute to the treatment of a large number of stomach upsets, stimulate liver function, combat skin problems, treat osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, regularize the menstrual cycle, and even fight depression.
Regarding the medicinal use of wormwood to treat digestive problems, it should be noted that this plant is very beneficial for our digestive system, and can contribute to improving a fairly wide range of discomforts, among which are the following:
* digestive problems: the bitter principles of wormwood act by stimulating the hormone called gastrin, responsible for generating an important range of actions in the digestive system to promote proper digestion of food;
* flatulence: since wormwood improves the digestion of food, it also reduces the chances of gas accumulation in the digestive tract, which usually takes place when the process is not completed properly;
* lack of appetite: this disorder is much more common than most people think, and can have serious consequences on the body, such as weakness or malnutrition, and is very common after a stage of convalescence, in anorexic individuals and in some children. Absinthe has the ideal bitter principles for stimulating appetite, since it acts on the hypothalamus and increases stomach movements;
* improper liver function: few parts of the body are as important and delicate as the liver, so it is essential to take care of it by all possible means. Thanks to its cholagogue and choleretic properties, wormwood also serves to treat some liver diseases.
Regarding the way of administering or consuming wormwood, it is very simple, as is also the case with a large number of other medicinal plants. In general, it is recommended to buy dry leaves, crush them until they fall apart and then mix them in water to prepare an infusion. There are many different procedures, and it can also be combined with other products to adapt its flavor to the tastes of each person or enhance its properties.
Wormwood, moreover, also used as a repellent of insects because its strong smell them away from the place where we do not want to get together, in a clean and peaceful. Moths and mosquitoes, in this framework, can be fought with wormwood.
Absinthe or absinthe is called a green alcoholic drink that is made with Artemisia absinthium as the main ingredient and may include anise, fennel and other components. It is important to note that, due to its characteristics, many countries have prohibited this drink throughout history.
According to the amount of the essential oil called tujona that includes absinthe, the drink can generate hallucinations since it alters the nervous system. This led the authorities of several nations to limit the inclusion of tujona to authorize the commercialization of wormwood.
The vermouth is another alcoholic beverage that bears wormwood. This wine is usually used as an aperitif or for preparing cocktails.
