? Expanded Traditional Uses Benefits of Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) 1. Traditional Digestive Support In many cultures, wormwood has been valued as a bitter herb. Bitters were commonly used to stimulate the taste buds and digestive system before meals. For centuries in Europe, small amounts of wormwood were included in herbal preparations and tonics as part of daily wellness practices. 2. Cultural Use in Cleansing Rituals Wormwood has long been seen as a purifying herb. In folk traditions, it was burned as incense or placed in sachets to help cleanse and refresh spaces. In Ayurveda and European herbalism, wormwood was sometimes part of seasonal cleanses or rituals to restore balance. 3. Botanical Heritage Wormwood is one of the most famous members of the Artemisia plant family, which includes many aromatic and medicinal herbs. It is historically known as a key ingredient in absinthe, a herbal spirit popular in 18th–19th century Europe. Ancient Greek and Roman texts also reference wormwood as a plant of importance in traditional remedies. 4. Natural Aromatic Herb Wormwood’s distinctive aroma and bitter taste made it useful in old household remedies. Dried leaves were sometimes kept in cupboards to repel insects or mixed with other herbs in potpourri. Even today, it remains popular in incense blends and natural craft uses for its earthy, cleansing fragrance.