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What is a Wormwood Complex?
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
A wormwood complex is an herbal supplement that is made from a blend of wormwood and products from other herbs such as black walnut and clove. Wormwood complex might also include stemona root. Some herbalists and herbal supplement manufacturers assert that a wormwood complex can help people to improve the health of their digestive system. For example, some wormwood complexes are indicated for improving digestion, cleansing the intestines, and improving the function of the bowels.
It is important to speak to a medical professional before taking this or any other kind of herbal supplement. There are some herbal blends including wormwood that are labeled as being unsafe or otherwise inappropriate for use by women who are pregnant or nursing. Furthermore, this supplement should not be taken in order to replace medical attention. People suffering from problems related to the bowels or gastrointestinal tract should not use wormwood complex instead of seeing a doctor.
Wormwood complex is often taken with meals multiple times per day. It is sometimes indicated for use over a certain period of time, such as a span of one or two weeks, before the user should take a break for a similar duration of time. The complex is sometimes packaged in the form of a pill while other times it is prepared as a liquid. The indications for ingesting wormwood complex will vary depending on the way that it is prepared and packaged.
When wormwood complex comes in the form of a liquid it may or may not include alcohol. For people who cannot or should not consume alcohol, it is important to either consume the complex in the form of capsules or to make sure to find a version of the liquid complex that is made without alcohol. Companies that sell liquid wormwood complex sometimes sell two versions: one that includes alcohol in the formula and one that does not.
Although wormwood complex is not as common as other kinds of supplement complexes, such as a vitamin B complex, it can be found at a number of health food stores, stores that specialize in vitamins and dietary supplements, and via online retailers. Online retailers are also a good source for liquid wormwood complex that is formulated without alcohol. Online retailers also often include detailed information about all of the ingredients, the indications and contraindications of the product, and a list of products that are also useful for issues related to the bowels and gastrointestinal tract.
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
Learn more...
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
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![Wormwood is an herb used in aiding digestion.]()
By: Mark HerreidWormwood is an herb used in aiding digestion. -
![Wormwood complex is taken multiple times a day, usually with meals.]()
By: VidadyWormwood complex is taken multiple times a day, usually with meals. -
![Wormwood complex can be found at a number of stores that specialize in vitamins and dietary supplements.]()
By: diego cervoWormwood complex can be found at a number of stores that specialize in vitamins and dietary supplements.
Discussion Comments
Wormwood is really really bitter. It's one of the ingredients of real absinthe, and is the reason that's so bitter.
It was used in ancient Greece as a medicine as well, and they even used it as an proverb of bitter medicine that requires honey to make children swallow it (like we would say something was taken with a spoonful of sugar, or a sugar coated pill).
I know it's supposed to be good for your stomach, but I've tried aloe which is also supposed to be good for your stomach and is also very bitter. The bitterness was so bad it made me feel even more ill (so maybe it works by making the person vomit?).
So, I don't think I'll be trying a wormwood complex any time soon.
In fact I'm not sure why anyone would bother buying this unless they had personal knowledge of where it came from.
I don't think that wormwood is going to be any better than a modern medicine at fixing a bad stomach and will certainly be worse if there is something seriously wrong.
Unless you know what's wrong and you have your own wormwood supply or a neighbor or friend who makes wormwood herbal cures, you might as well go to the doctor.
Buying a reliable wormwood extract is going to be expensive, so your money would be better spent on the doctor.
I know some people distrust modern medicine, but I don't think it's any different from ancient medicine really. Neither gives the respect the other deserves.
I think if you are going to try a medicine like this you need to be very careful about it.
Parts of the wormwood tree are actually very poisonous and if you buy it from someone who does not really know what they are doing, you could hurt or kill yourself.
But, even more likely, you might end up with something that doesn't really contain wormwood at all. Particularly if you buy it online.
There are often little to no guidelines as to how people are allowed to label these kinds of preparations, so they can say whatever they like about what's in it.
Just try to do your research, or better yet, do even more research and make the wormwood supplement yourself.
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