Wormwood (Krimighna (descriptive: worm destroyer))

About

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...

Classical attributes

• Virya: []
• Vipaka: []

Dosha effects

• vata: increasing
• kapha: decreasing
• pitta: increasing

Active compounds

• Thujone (alpha- and beta-)
• Absinthin
• Anabsinthin
• Quercetin
• Rutin
• Kaempferol derivatives
• Sabinene

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)

Frequently asked questions