Roman wormwood

Aromatic oxide with expectorant, mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity; a major contributor to the plant's fragrance.

A bitter, potentially neurotoxic GABA-A receptor antagonist responsible for much of wormwood's reputation and toxicity concerns; can lower seizure threshold at high doses.

Pungent aromatic ketone with mild counterirritant and antimicrobial properties; contributes to the characteristic camphoraceous aroma.

Fragrant terpene alcohol with mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.

A characteristic Artemisia volatile contributing to the aroma and chemotypic variation of the essential oil.

Bitter, non-volatile constituents responsible for the stimulant-bitter action on digestion (promoting salivary and gastric secretion); typical of the genus Artemisia.

Polyphenolic antioxidants common to Artemisia species contributing to the overall antioxidant activity of extracts.

The dried aromatic herb is used in small amounts as the classic principal flavouring of vermouth and as an ingredient of some absinthes, valued for being aromatic yet less harshly bitter than grand wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). Thujone content is legally limited in food and beverages.

Traditionally taken in small doses as a bitter digestive tonic to stimulate appetite and secretion. Because of the thujone content, use only briefly and in low doses; avoid the concentrated essential oil internally, and avoid entirely in pregnancy, lactation and epilepsy.