Wormwood Essential Oil: Extraction, Properties and Uses
Wormwood grows up to 5 feet in height. It"s a perennial herb which has green-silvery leaves, white stem and pale yellow flowers. The botanical name of Wormwood is Artemisia absinthium. Wormwood essential oil is obtained by the steam distillation process. During this procedure the leaves and the flowing tops of the plant are put into use. The wormwood essential oil extract so obtained appears bluish or dark green. The aroma of the wormwood essential oil is spicy, fresh and green.
Wormwood is a denizen of Western Asia, North Africa and also the southern and central Europe. Because of its health benefits, today it is largely grown in North America too. The largest producers of wormwood essential oils are Europe, Russia and North Africa. And North America closely competes on the production value.
Wormwood was used in ancient times as an herbal remedy for getting rid of parasitic worms (living in the intestines). The aerial fragments of this plant are also an effective appetite-booster and a liver-stimulator. Wormwood essential oil is very concentrated and it should not be used prior to dilution. Wormwood essential oil is effective both alone and in combination with other herbs and aromatherapy essential oils.
It has amplifying effects when you combine wormwood essential oil with angelica root, cedar wood, black pepper essential oil, eucalyptus, juniper berry essential oil, marjoram essential oil. It is also equally efficient with cypress, tansy, rosemary, chamomile, bergamot and lemongrass.
Wormwood essential oils contain about 70 percent thujone. The presence of a chemical compound-azulene also gives it astounding healing capabilities. Wormwood is exclusively used in aromatherapy. The most common use of the oil is made as a choleretic, deodorant, febrifuge and narcotic. It is also useful against insects (as insect repellants). Wormwood has also found its use as an anthelmintic, febrifuge, and a digestive.
You can use wormwood essential oil for external purposes, however if you intend to use it internally its best you get some expert"s advice. You can mix wormwood with lavender, rose mary, carrotseed essential oil, eucalyptus, black berry essential oil and many more. Study the uses properly and use the essential oil accordingly.
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