http://drclarkia.com/wormwood.asp

Medicinal Uses:
Anthelmintic =Vermifuge = expelling or destroying parasitic worms
especially of the intestine
Antiseptic = preventing or arresting the growth of microorganisms
Antispasmodic = capable of preventing or relieving spasms or convulsions
Carminative = expelling gas from the alimentary canal so as to relieve
colic or griping
Cholagogue = Promoting the discharge of bile from the liver and
gallbladder
Emmenagogue = induces or hastens menstrual flow
Febrifuge = agent that reduces fever; an antipyretic
Hypnotic= Inducing or tending to induce sleep
Stimulant= An agent, especially a chemical agent, that temporarily
arouses or accelerates physiological or organic activity.
Stomachic= Beneficial to or stimulating digestion in the stomach.
Tonic= An invigorating, refreshing, or restorative agent
Vermifuge = Anthelmintic

Wormwood is a very bitter plant with a long history of use as a
medicinal herb. It is valued especially for its tonic effect on the
liver, gallbladder and digestive system, and for its vermicidal
activity[4, 238, 254]. It is an extremely useful medicine for those with
weak and underactive digestion. It increases stomach acid and bile
production, improving digestion and the absorption of nutrients[254]. It
also eases wind and bloating and, if taken regularly, helps the body
return to full vitality after a prolonged illness[254].

The leaves and flowering shoots are anthelmintic, antiinflammatory,
antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitumor, carminative, cholagogue,
emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypnotic, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and
vermifuge[4, 9, 21, 46, 165, 222, 254]. The plant is harvested as it is
coming into flower and then dried for later use[4]. Use with
caution[21], the plant should be taken internally in small doses for
short-term treatment only, preferably under the supervision of a
qualified practitioner[238]. It should not be prescribed for children or
pregnant women[238]. See also the notes above on toxicity.

The extremely bitter leaves are chewed to stimulate the appetite[222].
The bitter taste on the tongue sets off a reflex action, stimulating
stomach and other digestive secretions[254]. The leaves have been used
with some success in the treatment of anorexia nervosa[244].

The plant is applied externally to bruises and bites[238]. A warm
compress has been used to ease sprains and strained muscles[257].

A homeopathic remedy is made from the leaves[9]. It is used to stimulate
bile and gastric juice production and to treat disorders of the liver
and gall bladder[9].

As its name implies, wormwood has been used to expel worms from people
and animals. However, Caius and Mhasker (1920) did not find oil of
wormwood to be an effective antihelmintic when tested against the
hookworm. Whatever antiparasitic properties wormwood has may be
partially due to its -santonin content (Perez-Souto et al 1992), which
is recognized as a medicine for parasitic diseases. Of course,
wormwood's measurable toxicity prevents modern herbalists from
recommending it.

Wormwood contains unidentified antimalarial substance(s). Alcoholic
extracts of the dried leaves have 'considerable antimalarial potential'
when administered orally, subcutaneously, or intraperitoneally to mice
(Zafar, Hamdard, & Hameed 1990).

Wormwood leaves are used traditionally in Pakistan as an antipyretic
(anti-fever) and an active antipyretic compound has been isolated from
the dried leaves. This compound alleviates yeast-induced pyrexia in
rabbits (Ikramet al 1987).

Dilute (1:1000) oil of wormwood has some antimicrobial activity. Kaul,
Nigam and Dhar (1976) found that the dilute oil inhibited the growth of
4 (out of 7) different types of bacteria.

Wormwood is also hepatoprotective (liver protecting). Gilani and Janbaz
(1995) found that an aqueous-methanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium
protected against acetaminophen and CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.
This protection seems to be at least partially due to inhibition of
microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes (MDME), since the plant extract
prolonged the sleep-inducing effects of pentobarbital in mice. Gilani
and Janbaz speculate that this putative MDME inhibition may be due to
sesartemin, which has the methylene-dioxybenzene group common to MDME
inhibitors. The presence of antioxidants and calcium-channel blockers in
wormwood (Gilani 1994) also probably contribute to its hepatoprotective
effects.

Known Hazards: The plant is poisonous if used in large quantities. Even
small quantities have been known to cause nervous disorders,
convulsions, insomnia etc.



and here's the German Commision E monograph on it - which makes it sound
quite benign, but they could be talking about an extract with the toxic
components processed out:
http://www.herbalgram.org/iherb/commissione/Monographs/Monograph_0379.html


personally, I wouldn't use it while pregnant and would use it cautiously
while nursing....


katherine in atl

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