Wormwood is an herb that is extremely popular for its distinctive aroma, herbaceous taste, and supposed health benefits. Although grown primarily in Europe, it grows easily in a variety of climates, including parts of Asia, Africa, South America, and the United States. . There are velvety white or greenish-silver stems, yellow-green leaves, and bulbous flowers that are bright or pale yellow. All parts of the plant have been used in traditional medical practices for hundreds of years. Wormwood is traditionally used to rid the body of unwanted parasites, hence its English name "wormwood". The essential oil extracted from this bitter-tasting herb has many other powerful health benefits, including improved digestive health, pain management, and reduced inflammation. We at Haya Labs decided to introduce you to some of the remarkable benefits of this widespread plant.

 

Improves digestion
 

A recent study shows that about half of the world's population reports having had a gastrointestinal problem at least a few times in their lives (eg gas, bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhea). Wormwood comes to the rescue here, as it stimulates digestion and relieves spasms in the intestinal tract.

Its healing properties increase appetite and promote the production of saliva and other digestive enzymes that support the movement of intestinal muscles, helping food to move through the digestive tract to maintain healthy digestion.

Because 70% of the immune system is located in the digestive tract, wormwood indirectly helps maintain and maintain overall health.

 

Powerful antioxidant properties
 

Wormwood contains several active ingredients, including chamazulene. It has a remarkable effect on free radicals and helps the body fight them. It mainly acts as an antioxidant and is most concentrated in the essential oils from the pre-flowering stage of the plant.

Antioxidants like chamazulene can fight oxidative stress in your body, which is linked to cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other diseases. It also improves the condition of the skin and slows down the aging process.

 

Fights inflammation
 

Artemisinin, another herbal compound found in wormwood, can help the body fight inflammation. Artemisinin is thought to inhibit cytokines, which are proteins secreted by your immune system that stimulate inflammation.

Studies show that wormwood can help relieve Crohn's disease, which is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. Symptoms may include diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal cramps, and other digestive problems.

 

Relieves pain
 

Wormwood has long been popular for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, it can help relieve osteoarthritis, a painful condition caused by inflammation of the joints. In a 4-week study in 90 adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, applying 3% wormwood ointment to the skin 3 times a day helped to improve pain levels and physical function.

It should be noted that the plant itself should never be applied directly to the skin, as its compounds are too concentrated and can lead to painful burns.