Common Wormwood

Common wormwood is a hardy, aromatic perennial shrub characterized by its silvery-green, silk-haired foliage and clusters of small, pale yellow flowers. Native to Eurasia and North Africa, it has historically been prized for its extreme bitterness—a trait derived from the compound absinthin—and its potent essential oils. The plant’s common name reflects its traditional use as an anthelmintic to expel intestinal parasites, though it is most famous as the key botanical ingredient in absinthe, the potent "Green Fairy" liqueur favored by 19th-century artists. Beyond spirits, wormwood has a long legacy in folk medicine for stimulating digestion and treating liver ailments, as well as serving as a natural insect repellent. However, modern use requires caution; the herb contains thujone, a chemical that can act as a neurotoxin in high doses, potentially causing seizures or other adverse effects if not carefully regulated.
 
Seed count: 250 mg