Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) has been used medicinally since ancient Greco-Roman times, with the herb widely revered for its antiseptic properties, its ability to repel fleas, moths and insects and act as an antidote to certain poisons. English 17th century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper described Wormwood as "one of the finest remedies" for dyspepsia, gastrointestinal pain, and poor liver function. Furthermore, it has a long history as one of the best remedies to aid in the relief of digestive complaints caused by atonic conditions of the stomach and gallbladder. As a well-regarded stomachic, Wormwood also enhances appetite, preventing weakness following debilitating infections such as influenza and pneumonia. Currently, research has led to Wormwood’s predominant use as a bitter antimicrobial and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) blocker in inflammatory bowel conditions and infections.
