Wormwood (Absinth)

Wormwood (alsem) is a bitter tasting stem-like plant with green-grey leaves and little yellow flowers.

Wormwood has both a psychoactive and medicinal function. It has been used against rheumatism, gout and tapeworm. This is where the English name comes from.

Wormwood is the main ingredient of the legendary drink absinthe, which was invented in 1792 by a French doctor. Intended as a medicine, it became very popular as a recreational drink.

A lot of artists were affected by absinthe in their work. First the drink was called 'the green fairy' or 'the green goddess'. Later the drink was known as 'the plague' or 'the queen of poisons'.

In 1915 the production of absinthe was forbidden, because it was accused of driving people to madness. But, even when drinking it in large quantities, what we absolutely not recommend, one can only be sure to become really really drunk, and only the high percentage of alcohol (up to 75%) can affect your health. Absint has recently become legal again in all European countries.

Effects

Wormwood is a mental stimulant. The effect of wormwood is narcotic, lightly anaesthetic, giving a peaceful and relaxing feeling. In combination with alcohol or in larger dosages hallucinations might occur. Wormwood is suitable for making tea, which has a positive effect during post-flu or post-infectious periods. In small doses wormwood is a remedy against common cold, rheumatism and tapeworm. It also increases the appetite.

Usage

A common way to use wormwood is to make tea of it. Soak 1 teaspoon in a cup of hot (non-boiling) water. The tea has a bitter taste, which hardly can be avoided. You can mix it with peppermint leaves or anise.

To make absinthe, soak 40 grams (1½ oz.) of wormwood for a couple of weeks in ½ liter of liquor (for instance Pernod). After sifting it, the drink is ready for use. Try a little glass first to make sure of the dosage.

Warning

Wormwood is poisonous. Long and intensive use can lead to addiction, corporal and psychical decline and it can lead to nervosity, restlessness and cramps. High doses can cause headaches and dizziness. Higher doses are psycho-activating and have a paralyzing effect. Intoxication effects due to overdose are arbitrary stools, unconsciousness, coma and death. After making absinthe, try one small glass at first and wait about an hour for the effect. Try it again at another opportunity. Better to dose too less with no effects than too much, risking poisoning yourself or making yourself sick. Do not drive motorized vehicles under the influence of wormwood.

Azarius Encyclopedia: Using Psychedelics Safely

Shipping restrictions

Please check if this product is legal in your country. We can not ship this product to Finland.

Reviews

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Feb 28, 2006 gogo said:
     
“at the moment i have been smoking this nice herb, just put 2-3 grams of it into your tobacco
azarius is a good firm about herbs
fantastic ”

Dec 19, 2005 bluehaze88 said:
     
“i have tried smoking it. and it is wonderful. strong but smooth. the first time i had elves running around my head. also complements other herbs well.”

Dec 7, 2005 Sunny said:
  
“Has very subtle effects, too subtle. Since it is poisoness don`t think about taking more for better effect. A guy in Washington State, US did that and ended up with kidney failure and a long stay in the hospitol. Its not just the wormwood, absinthe has a mix of many herbs and don`t forget an average of 75% (150 proof) alchohol content.”