Wormwood, or Artemisia absinthium, grows wild in the United States and in other parts of the world. A member of the aster family, this perennial has a long history of use in the healing arts. There is no evidence that wormwood worsens the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. In fact, wormwood is often used to reduce the symptoms of acid indigestion and dyspepsia. See your doctor before using any herbal remedy to treat a medical condition.
GERD
If you suffer from dyspepsia, acid indigestion or heartburn more than twice a week, your doctor may diagnose GERD, which means your indigestion condition is chronic. Conventional treatments and over-the-counter antacid products are available for treating acid indigestion. Wormwood is an alternative approach to treating indigestion, but it may cause undesirable and dangerous side effects. Use this herb only under a doctor's supervision.
Wormwood: The Herb
Wormwood leaves, flowers and stems contain numerous active constituents, including acetylenes, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, thujone and tannins, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." When taken internally as a tea, wormwood, stimulates the production of saliva and stomach acids, which may be beneficial in food digestion.
Preparation Method
Wormwood is available as an ingredient in some herbal remedies designed to treat acid indigestion or you may find it in tea and tincture forms. The "Gale Encyclopedia" recommends pouring a cup of boiling water over 1/2 tsp. to 2 tsp. of the dried herb. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink no more than three cups per day.
Dangers
While making the symptoms of GERD worse is not listed as a side effect of taking wormwood, the herb may trigger other unpleasant reactions, reports the "Gale Encyclopedia." The risk of side effects increases with higher dosages and using the herb longer than four weeks. Side effects include paralysis, confusion, numbness in extremities, vision and hearing symptoms, nausea tremors, insomnia, hallucinations and brain damage. Do not use wormwood unless directed to do so by a physician.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- MayoClinic.com: GERD
