When it comes to digestive health, few herbs have a reputation as strong as wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). While its name might conjure thoughts of its notorious association with absinthe, this intensely bitter herb has a much longer history of use in traditional medicine—primarily as a digestive aid.
Wormwood is one of my go-to herbs when digestion feels sluggish, bloating sets in, or I need an extra push to keep my gut feeling balanced. With centuries of medicinal use and modern scientific studies confirming its benefits, wormwood deserves a place in any herbalist’s digestive toolkit.
Let’s check out where wormwood comes from, its ancient uses, the science behind its digestive benefits, and how you can make your own homemade digestive bitters.
The Origins & Ancient Uses of Wormwood
Wormwood is a member of the Asteraceae family, related to daisies and sunflowers. Native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, it has spread worldwide due to its resilience and medicinal benefits.
Throughout history, wormwood has been prized for its bitter compounds and used in various healing traditions:
- Ancient Egyptians recorded wormwood in medical texts, using it for digestive complaints and even to expel intestinal parasites.
- Greek and Roman physicians like Hippocrates and Galen prescribed wormwood for stomach ailments, loss of appetite, and liver issues.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long incorporated Artemisia species for clearing heat, stimulating digestion, and balancing gut health.
- In medieval Europe, wormwood was infused into wines and tonics to aid digestion and prevent foodborne illnesses.
- Vermouth, the famous fortified wine, takes its name from “wermut,” the German word for wormwood, emphasizing its historical connection to digestive health.
Despite its strong, bitter taste, wormwood has been revered across cultures for one thing: its ability to get the digestive system moving efficiently.
The Science Behind Wormwood’s Digestive Benefits
1. Wormwood May Stimulate Digestive Enzymes & Bile Production
One of wormwood’s key benefits lies in its bitter compounds, including absinthin and artabsin. These compounds likely help stimulate the release of digestive enzymes, bile, and gastric juices, all of which are essential for breaking down food properly.
A 2015 article published in Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine concluded that bitter herbs like wormwood can enhance gastric secretions, improving digestion and likely nutrient absorption. (Reference)
When I incorporate wormwood into a digestive tonic, I can feel the difference—it wakes up the digestive system, reduces sluggishness, and prevents bloating after meals.
2. Wormwood May Help with Dyspepsia & Indigestion
Dyspepsia (a fancy term for indigestion) is one of the most common digestive complaints, and wormwood has been traditionally used to ease discomfort, bloating, and nausea.
An article found in Traditional Medicine Research magazine concluded from two separate studies that wormwood may help with indigestion, appetite, bloating, and overall gut function. (Reference)
I often recommend wormwood bitters to people struggling with frequent bloating, and they often report feeling lighter and more comfortable after meals. I even give glycerin-based bitters to my 3 year old daughter is she is having bloating with gas pain, and they help greatly!
3. Wormwood Has Antimicrobial & Gut-Balancing Properties
Beyond its digestive-stimulating effects, wormwood has also been shown to combat harmful gut bacteria and parasites.
A 2023 study found that wormwood extract exhibited broad spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal effects, thanks to at least 90 beneficial compounds in this amazing plant. (Reference)
This makes wormwood an excellent choice for supporting gut health, balancing intestinal flora, and supporting anti-inflammatory processes—all of which contribute to better digestion and overall wellness.
How to Make Homemade Digestive Bitters with Wormwood
Bitters are one of the easiest ways to incorporate wormwood into your daily routine. Taking just a few drops before meals can kickstart digestion, prevent bloating, and enhance nutrient absorption.
Here’s a simple DIY Wormwood Digestive Bitters Recipe you can make at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp dried wormwood
- 1 tbsp dried gentian root (another powerful bitter herb)
- 1 tbsp dried orange peel (for a hint of citrus and digestive support)
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds (to ease bloating and gas)
- 1 tbsp ginger root (to support digestion and reduce nausea)
- 1 cup high-proof alcohol (vodka, brandy, or grain alcohol work well)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional) for a slight sweetness
Instructions:
- Add all the dried herbs to a clean glass jar (a pint-sized mason jar works well).
- Pour in the alcohol until the herbs are fully covered.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 3–4 weeks, shaking it daily.
- After 4 weeks, strain out the herbs using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer.
- Store the finished bitters in a dropper bottle or dark glass container.
How to Use:
- Adults take 1–2 dropperfuls (about ¼–½ tsp) in water 15–20 minutes before meals to stimulate digestion.
- If the taste is too strong, mix it into sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a herbal digestive tonic.
- Bitters can also be added to cocktails for a medicinal, herbal twist!
A Few Precautions About Wormwood
While wormwood is a powerful digestive ally, it’s also a strong herb that should be used with care:
- Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it can stimulate uterine contractions.
- Do not consume in excess—high doses over long periods can be toxic due to thujone, a compound found in wormwood.
- If you have stomach ulcers or GERD, consult a healthcare professional before using, as strong bitters may worsen symptoms.
- Use sparingly—a little wormwood goes a long way!
Final Thoughts
Wormwood is truly an underrated powerhouse when it comes to digestive health. Its long history in traditional medicine, combined with modern scientific validation, proves its effectiveness in stimulating digestion, easing bloating, and supporting gut health.
Whenever I feel my digestion is a little off, a few drops of wormwood bitters before meals makes a noticeable difference. And if I feel bloating after a heavy meal, a few drops helps to ease the discomfort.
The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their personal physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader's situation.