Alsem, commonly known as wormwood, is a perennial herb recognized for its distinctive appearance, potent bitter taste, and strong aromatic qualities, evident when its leaves are crushed.
Understanding Wormwood
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a member of the Asteraceae family. Other common names for this plant include common wormwood and grand wormwood. This species is native to temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa, and it has since naturalized in areas like Canada and the northern United States.
The plant typically grows as an upright, woody-based perennial forming a bushy clump, reaching heights of 24-36 inches and widths of 18-24 inches. Its leaves are deeply divided, giving them a lacy or fern-like appearance, and are gray-green or silver-green on both sides. In summer, tiny, insignificant yellowish flowers emerge in dense, leafy, drooping clusters at the stem tips. The plant emits a strong, sage-like scent when its leaves are crushed, and it is historically known for its intense bitterness.
Uses of Wormwood
Wormwood has a long history of applications in traditional medicine and alcoholic beverages. Historically, it was used as a digestive aid and for its antiparasitic properties, often to expel intestinal worms, which contributed to its common name. Traditional uses also included addressing liver problems, joint pain, and stimulating appetite.
Beyond medicinal uses, wormwood flavors spirits like absinthe, a high-alcohol drink popular in the 19th century. Its bitter compounds also contribute to vermouth and other bitters. Historically, wormwood was used in farmhouse brewing as a bittering spice or hops substitute.
Its strong aroma and bitter properties also make it a natural insect repellent, deterring pests like ants, cabbage loopers, whiteflies, deer, and rabbits from gardens.
Growing Wormwood
Cultivating wormwood is straightforward, as it is a hardy and adaptable plant. It thrives best in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, though it tolerates partial shade in warmer climates. Well-drained soil is essential, as wormwood dislikes overly wet conditions and is prone to root rot. It prefers poor to moderately fertile, dry to medium moisture soils, such as sandy or rocky types, and is drought-tolerant once established.
When planting, ensure proper spacing of 18-24 inches, as wormwood can inhibit the growth of neighboring plants. Watering should be minimal once established, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, usually about once a week. Pruning can be done in midsummer or after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Harvesting leaves and flowers is best done during flowering, typically from June to September, when the plant’s active compounds are at their highest concentration.
Important Considerations
Despite its uses, wormwood contains thujone, a compound that can be neurotoxic with prolonged or excessive use. High doses, especially of its essential oil, may lead to adverse effects such as seizures, digestive upset, kidney failure, nausea, and vomiting. It is important to note that wormwood teas and extracts are not regulated, and can contain significantly more thujone than regulated products like certain alcoholic beverages.
Certain individuals should avoid wormwood:
Pregnant individuals, due to miscarriage risk.
Breastfeeding individuals, due to insufficient safety information.
People with epilepsy or seizure disorders, as thujone can stimulate the brain and worsen seizures or interfere with medication.
Individuals with kidney problems, liver disease, stomach or intestinal ulcers.
Those with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed or marigolds).
Consult a healthcare professional before using wormwood for medicinal purposes.