Wormwood Herb (Artemisia absinthium) — Bulk Dried Herb
Wormwood Herb (Artemisia absinthium)
Few plants carry as rich and storied a history as Wormwood — a silvery-leaved perennial of the daisy family whose intensely bitter character has made it one of the most recognized and respected botanicals in Western herbal tradition. Known since antiquity, Wormwood appears in the writings of Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Pliny, in medieval European herbals, and in the cultural imagination of artists and writers across centuries. It is the defining botanical of the legendary spirit absinthe and a cornerstone of traditional European bitter preparations.
Our Wormwood is certified organic, cut and sifted from the aerial parts of Artemisia absinthium at peak botanical maturity.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Artemisia absinthium
- Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
- Common Names: Wormwood, Grand Wormwood, Absinthe, Green Ginger
- Plant Part Used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops)
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Appearance: Silver-green dried herb with fine silky hairs
- Aroma: Intensely aromatic, camphor-like, bitter
- Flavor Profile: Profoundly bitter, aromatic, slightly spicy
About the Plant
Native to temperate regions of Eurasia and Northern Africa, Artemisia absinthium is a woody-based perennial that grows to about 1 meter in height. Its deeply lobed, silver-grey leaves are covered in fine silky hairs that give the plant its characteristic shimmering appearance. The plant produces small, round, yellow flower heads in late summer. Wormwood belongs to the genus Artemisia — named for the Greek goddess Artemis — a large and botanically significant genus that includes Mugwort, Sweet Annie, and Sagebrush. It has been cultivated in monastery gardens, physic gardens, and cottage gardens across Europe for over a thousand years.
Traditional Context
Wormwood is one of the most extensively documented plants in Western botanical history. It appears in ancient Egyptian medical papyri, classical Greek and Roman texts, Anglo-Saxon herbals, and the writings of major European herbalists including Hildegard von Bingen, John Gerard, and Nicholas Culpeper. It was a primary ingredient in traditional European bitter liqueurs and digestive preparations and remains an important botanical in contemporary Western herbalism.
Suggested Preparations
- Infusions: Use sparingly — a small pinch steeped briefly in hot water due to its intense bitterness
- Tinctures: Well-suited for alcohol extraction; traditionally used in small amounts
- Herbal Bitters: A classic ingredient in traditional digestive bitter formulas
- Culinary/Beverage: Used historically in the production of absinthe, vermouth, and bitters
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried Wormwood maintains its quality for 1–2 years.
A Note on Use
Wormwood contains thujone and should be used with care and in small amounts. This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for educational and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use. Not for long-term use without professional guidance.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.