Wormwood Essential Oil

Posted on October 4, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Wormwood is botanically known as Artemisia absinthium. It is widely known as an effective remedy for treating worms like tape worms, round worms, hook worms etc in the human body. With its narcotic effects, Wormwood was an important part of the popular alcoholic beverages like Absinthe, which is prohibited now.

Wormwood essential oil is extracted from the flowering tops, twigs and leaves through steam distillation process. Ginger is an incredible part of numerous Ayurvedic remedies and with an alternative name as Green Ginger, wormwood herb and its therapeutic oil has been used for more than thousands of years in Ayurveda, the ancient wisdom of healing humanity.

Historical uses of Wormwood and its essential oil:

The spectacular fact about Wormwood is that it was used by Hippocrates, the ancient Greek Physician and the father of western medicine. Many ancient monks and nuns used this bitter herb in the form of an elixir for its detoxifying properties.

The prehistoric use of Wormwood has been mentioned in Bible and the first century writings of Greece and Rome, where the herb was said to be placed in the sandals of Roman warriors to pacify their sore feet.

Saint Hildegard of Bingen, known as the Doctor of the Church and Sibyl of the Rhine was highly celebrated for her brilliance in medicinal and botanical writings, philosophy, music and much more. She used Wormwood herb to treat melancholy, digestive disorders, elimination process, improper functioning of lungs and heart.

She advised her patients to consume the fresh juice of wormwood leaves mixed with honey and warm wine on empty stomach on every third day from the month of May to October. Hildegard trusted that the use of wormwood herb helped in promoting the functioning of the entire system by effectively eliminating the toxins from the arteries through kidneys and preventing the accumulation of black bile, which is the melancholic humor.

Health benefits of Wormwood essential oil:

Wormwood was used for spiritual and psychic work in the primordial times and the essential oil of Wormwood is trusted to treat numerous health disorders ranging from fever to flatulence.

The predominant health benefits of Wormwood essential oil are:

1. Effective against worms and parasites:

Worms and parasites in the body are often the main reason for curtailing the normal growth, especially in children. This is mainly because these foreign bodies absorb the nutrients from the food and restrict the system from gaining the required nourishment.

With its Vermifuge property and high toxic effects, wormwood herb and its essential oil is considered as the most powerful natural remedy in killing worms and parasites. In certain cases this oil is given as an enema in treating worms in the rectum and intestines.

2. Supports the digestive system:

Wormwood essential oil nurtures the digestive system and effectively helps in removing the toxic substances known as ama from the body. According to Ayurveda, improper digestion is the root cause for all kinds of illnesses as the undigested food particles turn as toxins and curb the normal functioning of the body. Wormwood essential oil strengthens the entire digestive system with its carminative, stomachic, cholagogue, anthelmintic, tonic and stimulant properties.

The presence of artabsin and absinthin in Wormwood oil are responsible for the bitter taste, which acts as a stimulant in enlivening the taste buds and improving the secretion of saliva and perking up the natural appetite of an individual.

It promotes proper discharge of bile secretion from the liver to the stomach and effectively counterbalances the excess acid substance while assisting the complete process of metabolism. All these healing properties of Wormwood essential oil make it a promising remedy in the treatment of acidosis, ulcer, liver and gall bladder problems and numerous other digestive disorders.

3. Alleviates stress and depression:

Disturbed sleep, insomnia, convulsions, fatigue, nervous afflictions, epileptic attacks and certain other mental disturbances often end up in unwanted stress and deep depression. Wormwood essential oil has a natural narcotic effect that helps in calming your nerves and grants complete relaxation by pacifying the entire system.

A well-known research on ‘The Debate About Wormwood and Thujone Psycho-activity‘ proved that the presence of α-thujone (alpha thujone) and β-thujone (beta thujone) in Artemisia absinthium are responsible for Psycho-activity and the higher-potency α-thujone is considered as the primary psychoactive agent. Adding 2 drops of Wormwood essential oil to a tissue and placing it near your pillow can give you great relief for a peaceful night’s sleep.

4. Womanly essential oil:

Being a promising emmenagogue, wormwood essential oil is extremely beneficial in treating womanly problems like irregular menstruation, obstructed periods, uterine fibroids, menopausal problems, dysmennorhea and all other symptoms that accompany menstruation.

The emmenagogue property in this oil enhances the blood circulation in the uterus and pelvic region while strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. This oil is also used as a pain reliever during labor.

Ayurveda recommends Abhyanga or the art of massaging in an Ayurvedic manner for treating problems related to menstruation and menopause. Gently massaging 2 to 3 drops of wormwood essential oil along with sesame oil or coconut oil can grant significant relief and support the health of the female reproductive system.

5. Keeps away fever and infections:

Wormwood essential oil is effectual in treating fever due to bacterial and viral infections and this healing property is attributed to the presence of the toxic components like α-thujone and β-thujone, which act as a shield to the body and protects it from microbes and other harmful infections.

A research by the Cancer institute on the effectiveness of Complementary and alternative medicine in 2004 witnessed that Wormwood is powerful in treating fever and was used in Malaria treatment. The ancient Africans and Asians used Wormwood to combat malaria and to treat few other mosquito-borne diseases.

6. Fights against cancer:

The chemical properties of Wormwood have been proved as a potent cancer treatment by the Bioengineering researchers of the University of Washington. It has been witnessed that this derivative killed almost all the human breast cancer cells exposed to it within a time span of 16 hours. They also said that this wormwood derivative is “highly toxic to the cancer cells, but has a marginal impact on normal breast cells”.

7. Enriches the human body:

The great news is that Wormwood essential oil acts as a tonic to the entire system by stimulating the digestive system, improving the functioning of the circulatory system, strengthening the immune system, acting as a cardiac tonic, fortifying the nervous system and supporting the working of the excretory system, enabling the body to expel the unwanted toxic substances and stay vigilant at all times.

The natural and strong aroma of Wormwood essential oil makes it an important component of certain deodorants. This oil can also be used as a powerful insect repellant with its poisonous effects. Adding few drops of Wormwood oil to your vaporizers, sprays and fumigants can help you keep the harmful insects at bay.

Disclaimer:

Wormwood essential oil is a neurotoxin and has narcotic effects so never ingest this essential oil as it may harm the system. Essential oils are highly concentrated and do not apply this oil directly to your skin and always remember to blend it with carrier oils. Consult your medical practitioner before using the right essential oil for your health and your constitution.

Wormwood Essential Oil – Possible Skin Issues:

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Wormwood oil is considered as a narcotic oil when used in higher doses. The adverse effects of Wormwood oil is attributed to the presence of chemical constituent thujone, which contributes to about 50 percent of the oil. Thujone containing oils are restricted prevalently, mainly due to the concern of its psychotropic, nephrotoxic and neurotoxic effects. It may cause skin irritation, redness, eruptions in sensitive skin and dermatitis.

Studies witness the excitation of the autonomic nervous system due to convulsions and binding of the GABA receptors caused due to α and β-thujone. It is also a known fact that high amount of thujone and its metabolites can induce convulsions, unconsciousness, seizures, gastrointestinal cramps, insomnia, tremors, dizziness, hallucinations, vomiting, headaches, retention of urine, renal lesions, congestive heart failure and rhabdomyolysis (collapse of muscular fibers).

Wormwood should never be used internally as there are numerous studies witnessing the severe toxic effects of ingesting this oil and few cases include absinthism and the acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis in a person who drank about 10 ml of Wormwood oil; In an another case, the intake of 60 ml of Wormwood oil ended up in seizure, altered mental faculty, attention disability, rhabdomyolysis and hyperthermia.

Blend Wormwood oil in mild carrier oils like Coconut oil or Avocado oil before topical use as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated substances and can harm the skin surface if used in a concentrated form. The safe level of dermal use for this oil is 0.4% by IFRA (International Fragrance Association).

Dr. William Smith in a Medico-Chirurgical transaction study talks about the case of poisoning by Wormwood oil. It is stated that this oil has narcotic influence that may have negative impact on the nervous system, causing headache, convulsions, giddiness, vomiting, tremors and paralysis.

The PanAfrican Medical Journal study talks about the burning effects of Wormwood herb, where a 50 year old woman reported a severe pain in the facial skin with a dry and delicate erythema in the cheeks and forehead classified as an initial degree burn.

It was concluded that the presence of toxic agents, like thujone and malic acid were responsible for the adverse effects like redness, skin sensitivity and chemical burns. It was termed as a phytodermatose, which are lesions on the skin due to the frequent contact with certain herbs. Research reports also state that thujone is porphyrogenic in nature and can be hazardous for patients with defective hepatic heme synthesis.

With thujone being the toxic component, using Wormwood oil can act as a threat to pregnancy as it may affect the health of the uterus with its emmenagogue and abortifacient effects and is good to continue avoiding this oil during lactation as well.

It is advisable to restrict the use of this oil on children as they have a sensitive skin. Wormwood oil can also cause allergic reactions on the skin for those who are susceptible to plants of the Compositae/Asteraceae family like the Marigold, Ragweed, Chrysanthemum etc.,

Reference Links Substantiating the Possible Skin Issues of Wormwood Oil:

Thought for the day:

Life is not living, but living in health.

– Martial, Roman poet

Suggested Reading:

Artemisia (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) by Colin W. Wright
Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health by Susanne Fischer-Rizzi
Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils by Valerie Ann Worwood

Reference Links:

Linalyl acetate

Posted on October 4, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Linalyl acetate, an ester is one of the most naturally found phytochemical seen in many spices and flowering plants. It is an acetate ester of linalool, and it can be known as linalyl acetate or 3, 7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-yl acetate, it also goes under the names Bergamiol, Bergamol, and Linalool acetate.

It is rarely used as an adulterant in essential oils to make them viable. It is occasionally added to lavandin oil which is sold out as lavender oil. Esters are sedative and antispasmodic generally non-irritant and mild except Methyl Salicylate, which is found in Wintergreen.

It also forms an vital component of essential oils of Bergamot, and it is found in a conjunction of the acetate ester of linalool, it is also seen in Mentha citrata which is deadly to daphnia, mildly toxic to humans and fish.

Linalyl Acetate’s attributes to essential oils:

Linalyl acetate and Linalool are the primary constituents of many essential oils and are known to possess several biological actions, traceable to these monoterpene esters. Linalyl acetate is considered as a perfume and essence based compound, and it is responsible for imparting an extensive amount of flavor and fragrance of lavender.

It has a pleasant fruity odor suggestive of bergamot mint oil, and tastes similar to its odor. Linalyl acetate has power over several biological activities, and is attributable to these monoterpene compounds of essential oils.

It’s also found in clary sage in high concentration of 78% along with, lavender, bergamot and lavandin, as well as lemon, neroli, lime, and some mint varieties.

Therapeutic qualities of Linalyl Acetate:

Anti- Inflammatory:

Linalyl acetate is good on skin as it reduces skin inflammation and heals rashes. It also helps to balance natural oils in the skin, acting well on both dry and oily skin making it look beautiful. The oil can be used directly, or mixed with carrier agents like almond oil for utmost absorption and to achieve better results.

Linalool and linalyl acetate found in Clary Sage oil acts as a tremendous anti-inflammatory agent as per a study in 2002, hence it can be used to minimize the effect of skin redness, calm irritation and more.

A study carried out in Italy in the year 2003 on the topic ‘Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils’, stated that, “The results obtained thus for support the hypothesis that linalool and linalyl acetate play a major role in the anti-inflammatory activity displayed by some essential oils containing them. The present data suggest that all plant species producing a relevant amount of these monoterpene compounds are potential anti-inflammatory agents.”

Analgesic:

Studies also talk of how linalyl acetate and linalool caused reduced duration of menstrual pain, and even relieved them from menstrual pains.

A research carried out in 2012 on ‘Lavender and the Nervous System’ found that, “Aromatic oil massage with essential oils blended with lavender, clary sage, and marjoram in a 2 : 1 : 1 ratio in forty-eight outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea alleviated the pain and reduced the duration of dysmenorrhea.

Aromatherapy by using lavender essence was also reported as a successful and safe complementary therapy in reduction of pain after the cesarean section in 200 term pregnant women and after episiotomy in 60 primiparous women as well as in perineal discomfort following normal childbirth in 635 women.

It has been shown that lavender aromatherapy through an oxygen face mask with two drops of 2% lavender oil can be used to reduce the demand for opioids in twenty-five patients after immediate postoperative period of breast biopsy surgery and for other analgesics in fifty-four patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.”

Anti- hypertensive:

Few other studies proved that linalyl acetate is capable of relaxing blood vessels and reducing the blood pressure in patients. A study conducted in 2012 explained results such as ‘It has been shown that foot massage using lavender essential oil in 100 ICU patients of whom 50% were receiving artificial ventilation was effective in lowering blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, wakefulness, and pain’.

Reference Links:

How To Store Ayurvedic Essential Oils?

Posted on October 1, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Ayurveda is a science of natural wonder that often proffers the best to mankind, be it the treatment for the actual disease, solutions for preventing it in the future, leading a healthy lifestyle, a balanced and nutritious diet, serene meditation, enlightening yoga or a soothing Abhyanga with the use of Ayurvedic essential oils. Everything aims at a complete life and a state of comprehensive living even after your 60s as Ayurveda pays special attention to human beings right from the womb till their death bed, where the soul is trusted to rest in peace with a regular practice of an Ayurvedic routine. Most of you might wonder and feel like asking me that essential oils are an incredible part of Aromatherapy and why am I talking about storing essential oils in Ayurveda?

Ayurveda makes use of natural fragrances or aromatics in the process of healing illnesses. Incense sticks, fresh flowers, sandalwood powder or paste have always been a part of the religious ceremonies and the daily prayers for kindling the spiritual feelings of an individual. Essential oils are natural plant extracts without any artificial ingredient and have been proved across the globe for its therapeutic properties and enhancement in the quality of lives. Ayurvedic essential oils can be such a value addition to your life only if they are preserved well for extended use. This is because these oils being in a highly concentrated form are mostly used in drops and are retained for a long time in the shelves or medical cabinet. The simple tips to store Ayurvedic essential oils for better use are listed below for your guidance.

1. Nature of the container: The good looks or the prettiness of the container cannot pay your health in anyways. The pureness and the quality of the essential oils are very important in serving the purpose of its purchase and such healing values can be retained only with the type of the container it is stored in. Essential oils should preferably be stored in glass bottles mostly in amber or navy blue color for filtering the harmful UV rays that may otherwise worsen the essential oils. Make certain that you never purchase essential oils that are stored in clear glass bottles inviting sunlight to deteriorate the therapeutic properties of the oil or the oils stored in plastic containers as these highly concentrated essential oils will corrode the plastic and detriment the texture of the oil and taint it.

2. Focus on the temperature: Being volatile in nature, essential oils tend to evaporate in comparatively lower temperatures. Heat, moisture and sunlight can cause considerable damage to the quality of the oils. Always store essential oils in a dark, cool and dry place to preserve the freshness, natural fragrance and remedial properties. You can also store essential oils in an average temperature in the refrigerator and keep it out for few hours before use to allow it to settle to the room temperature.

3. Type and temperament of essential oils: Generally the storage of essentials oils depend on the nature of the oils. Certain oils like Sandalwood oil, Patchouli oil, Clary Sage essential oil, Vetiver oil etc, get enhanced with time. The older they are the better they smell and exhibit their rich fragrance. On the other hand, Citrus oils like Lemon essential oil, Grapefruit essential oil, Orange essential oil etc, are tend to tarnish and start to lose their curative values, aroma and the rich presence in a limited period ranging from 6 to 12 months.

4. Pay attention to the bottle caps: Do not buy essential oils that are covered with rubber droppers attached to the screw-top cap. This is mainly due to the highly concentrated nature of the essential oils that can turn the dropper into a gluey material and besmirch the entire oil. The best choice is the use of essential oils stored in dark glass bottles with a firmly fixed screw cap containing an orifice reducer set inside the mouth of the bottle. It holds a small opening in the middle allowing the oil to be discharged in drops without any mess.

5. Choose a safe wooden box for storage: As all of us know that ‘Health is the real wealth’. When we spend so much of money in purchasing jewel boxes to keep our jewels, then why can’t we get a compact and durable wooden box (without biting your pocket!!) that can preserve your essential oils from all of the factors that can cause damage to the essential oils?

Precautionary Tips:

Keep the essential oils in a cupboard or a safe shelf that is not easily reachable by kids and pets. Both of them may tend to hurt themselves by coming into direct contact with the oil.
Do not use Ayurvedic essential oils directly on your skin as they are highly concentrated and may burn the skin or cause considerable damage. Always use suitable carrier oils for dissolving your essential oils before use.
Do not ingest essential oils unless it is recommended by your Ayurvedic practitioner.
Ensure that the essential oils bottle is tightly closed after use to avoid spilling and mishandling.
All of us have the habit of looking at the expiry date of all the pharmaceutical products and food items that we purchase. Try implementing the same here as well. Look for the expiry date at the back of the bottle. If you do not find one, then make it a practice to write the date of purchase on a small paper and paste it on the bottle to know the actual shelf life of a particular essential oil.
Use Ayurvedic essential oils regularly for better results and consult your Ayurvedic expert regarding the different ways of using essential oils effectively to find value for your time and money.

Happy storing!

Suggested Reading:

Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing By Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
The Aromatherapy Companion: Medicinal Uses/Ayurvedic Healing/Body-Care Blends/Perfumes & Scents/Emotional Health & Well-Being (Herbal Body) By Victoria H. Edwards

Thought for the day: A Stitch In Time Saves Nine

Reference Links: