Wormwood
1:1 Ethanol Based Spagyric Tincture of fresh organic Artemisia annua arial parts (Chinese Wormwood) – with salt principle added.
Planetary ruler(s): Venus, Mercury, Moon.

Physical Properties:
Wormwood is a herb of ancient medicine practices worldwide, it was used by the Greek Physician Dioscorides to stimulate the gallbladder, stomach and digestion. It is a truly bitter herb, and most bitter herbs have the effect of aiding the liver and gallbladder in the production and usage of bile with which food is broken down and assimilated. Thus wormwood can be helpful for those with weak appetite and digestion, and the associated bloating, flatulence and/or bad breath. Yellowing of the skin is often caused by liver blockage/stagnation and this herb remedies this also. Bad breath, toothaches, ringing in the ears, ulcers (internal and external), diarrhea, nausea, gas, pinworms, tapeworms, parasites and bacterial imbalance are some of the digestive system ailments that wormwood can cure. Elsewhere in the body this herb can also relieve asthma, arthritis, kidney and bladder stones, and is a potent ally in curing the big C.  Wormwood has a strong affinity for the mind, being able to reduce cerebrospinal fluid buildup in the cranium, reduce the severity and frequency of seizures, reduce sleepwalking, convulsions, headaches, twitching and hysteria. Wormwood extends its stagnation relieving properties to the feminine regions, being able to induce menstruation when lacking or irregular. Artemisia annua has been shown to exhibit antiviral properties against herpes, hepatitis, HIV and covid-19.

Emotional/Spiritual:
Wormwood is a herb for clarity. It is interesting to think about the gut-brain connection when considering wormwood… the way in which wormwood enlivens ‘deadened’ digestive power translates to its ability to clear out the mind and get the mental cogs turning again. Sometimes the traumas of life can cause a sort of numbing of the mind and nerves after the initial shock has worn off, this soft leaved, frilly herb can help with the initial stages of resurrecting ones psyche and senses. Whilst it isn’t used for depression in the long run, it can help one in gathering themselves up off the floor and taking the first few necessary steps for living life in a good way once again. It helps us to see the silver linings after some form of devastation has occurred. Wormwood can also be helpful for those who feel ‘psychically interfered’ with, being an excellent herb for quieting voices of the mind that do not feel like ones own.

Contraindications:
- Pregnancy: Should be avoided by pregnant women.
- Should not be used for more than 3 weeks at a time (break for a 10 days before recommencing.
- Ragweed allergies: Wormwood is part of the Asteraceae family.
- Warfarin: May increase the likelihood of bleeding if combined with warfarin.