Wormwood (Krimighna (descriptive: worm destroyer))
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a perennial herb renowned for its intense bitterness. Historically, it has been used across various traditional medicine systems as a digestive tonic, appetite stimulant, and anthelmintic agent. Modern research has pr...
Botanical name: Artemisia absinthium.
Classical attributes
- Virya: []
- Vipaka: []
Dosha effects
- vata: increasing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: increasing
Clinical evidence
Relatively limited modern clinical research exists for Artemisia absinthium. However, a key randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with Crohn's disease, leading to symptom improvement and a reduction in corticosteroid dosage. While traditionally recognized for anthelmintic properties, high-quality human clinical trials supporting this use are scarce. Its role as a general digestive aid also lacks robust modern clinical evidence.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Krimighna (anti-worm)
- Vishaghna (anti-poison)
- Virechana (purgative)
- Deepana (appetite stimulant)
- Kaphaghna (Kapha reducing)
Classical clinical indications
- Krimi (worm infestation)
- Kasa (cough)
- Vrana (wounds)
- Pandu (pallor)
- Vishavikara (poisonous conditions)