The Antiparasitic Properties of Wormwood Tea

Historically, the leaves and stems of the wormwood plant were gathered and used in medicinal herbal concoctions. During the Middle Ages, apocatheries would gather wormwood and prepare it as a tea in order to treat gastrointestinal issues in patients, particularly those that were caused by parasites such as tapeworms. Today, more caution is taken with wormwood tea due to the known presence of thujone, though some herbalists still recommend this herbal tea to aid with digestion and the expelling of parasites in the body.

The Power of Antiparasitic Herbs

There have been multiple herbs throughout history used to expel various herbs from the body. While all such herbs can be labeled “antiparasitic”, the particular name of the herb is usually a good indicator of what action the herb can perform. An anthelmintic herb is capable of expelling parasites; the term is typically used interchangeably with the antiparasitic label. A vermifuge is an herb capable of stunning or paralyzing the parasites, disabling them and allowing them to be flushed safely from the body. A vermicide, on the other hand, is capable of killing the parasites outright.

Most antiparasitic herbs are considerably bitter, as the constituent that causes its bitterness is the same constituent that makes the herb effective against parasites. Because of this, the level of bitterness may be used as a general gauge for the antiparasitic potency of the herb. While a more potent herb will have a better chance at eliminating the parasites, these herbs can also be harsh on the human system, and should be used sparingly.

Drinking Wormwood Tea

Wormwood tea has been used for centuries as an antiparasitic concoction. The wormwood herb acts as a vermifuge, capable of disabling parasites and making them unable to harm the body or reproduce. The parasites can then be eliminated from the system and the body can begin healing any damage caused by the parasites. Although wormwood tea is significantly bitter, it is this same bitterness that makes it useful as a vermifuge.

Precautions & Side Effects

Although most herbal teas are considered to be relatively safe, it is recommended to exercise caution when drinking wormwood tea. Wormwood tea can contain thujone, which may cause unwanted side effects such as sleeplessness and anxiety. It is recommended not to use wormwood for more than a few days at a time, and to discuss its safety with a healthcare professional.