Wormwood

What is wormwood?

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a perennial plant from the Asteraceae family. It has gray-green leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in summer. Wormwood grows in Europe, Asia and North Africa and prefers dry and sunny locations.

The name wormwood comes from the Old High German word "wermuota", which means "wormwood". This is because wormwood was once used as a remedy for worms and parasites. Wormwood contains various bitter substances, such as absinthin, anabsinthin and thujone, which have a strong effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Wormwood also contains essential oils, flavonoids, tannins and other ingredients that can have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant effects.

Wormwood is best known as an ingredient in absinthe, an alcoholic drink with a high thujone content that was very popular in the 19th century. However, absinthe was banned due to its harmful and hallucinogenic effects. Today, wormwood is mainly used as a tea, tincture or powder.

What are the benefits of wormwood for dogs?

Wormwood can have some benefits for dogs when administered in moderation and under the supervision of a veterinarian. Here are some possible uses:

• Wormwood can help stimulate appetite by encouraging gastric juice production. This can be useful for dogs suffering from loss of appetite or digestive problems.
• Wormwood can support the intestinal flora and act against intestinal parasites. This can be helpful for dogs suffering from diarrhea, flatulence or worm infestation.
• Wormwood can improve liver function and stimulate bile production. This can be beneficial for dogs suffering from liver disease or gallstones.
• Wormwood can strengthen the immune system and protect against infections. This can be useful for dogs suffering from colds, coughs or skin problems.
• Wormwood can relieve pain and promote healing. This can be useful for dogs suffering from arthritis, rheumatism or injuries.

What are the disadvantages of wormwood for dogs?

Wormwood is not suitable for every dog and can also have some disadvantages if used incorrectly or overdosed. Here are some possible risks:

• Wormwood can cause symptoms of poisoning if given in too high a dose or for too long. Symptoms may include cramps, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea or loss of consciousness. In the worst case, an overdose of wormwood can lead to death.
• Wormwood can interact with other medications if administered at the same time. This can affect the effectiveness or side effects of the medication. Particular care should be taken if the dog is taking antiepileptics, anticoagulants or sedatives.
• Wormwood can cause allergic reactions if the dog is sensitive to the plant. Symptoms may include a skin rash, itching, swelling or difficulty breathing. In the worst case, an allergic reaction can lead to anaphylactic shock.
• Wormwood can cause gastrointestinal irritation if the dog has a sensitive stomach. This can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or ulcers. Particular care should be taken if the dog has stomach or intestinal ulcers.
• Wormwood can cause hormonal disturbances if the dog is pregnant or lactating. This can affect the development or health of puppies. Particular care should be taken if the dog is pregnant or lactating.

How do you give wormwood to dogs?

If you want to give your dog wormwood, you should always follow your vet's recommendations. He or she will be able to tell you the correct dosage, form and duration of administration for your dog. You should also have your dog examined regularly to check for possible side effects or complications.

In general, wormwood should only be given in small amounts and for short periods of time. The dosage depends on the size, weight and health of your dog. A common dosage is about 0.1 to 0.2 grams of dried wormwood herb per kilogram of body weight per day. This corresponds to about half a teaspoon to one teaspoon per 10 kilograms of body weight per day.

Wormwood can be administered in various forms, such as

• Tea: pour a teaspoon of dried wormwood herb over a cup of boiling water and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Then allow the tea to cool and give it to the dog to drink or mix it into its food.
• Tincture: Add a few drops of an alcoholic tincture of wormwood to the dog's drinking water or food. The number of drops depends on the concentration of the tincture.
• Powder: Buy a ready-made wormwood powder or crush the dried wormwood herb yourself. Then add a small amount of the powder to the dog's food or dissolve it in a little water.

Wormwood should not be administered for more than two to four weeks at a time. After that, you should take a break of at least one week before repeating the treatment. Wormwood should also not be given together with other herbs or food supplements that also contain bitter substances, such as yarrow, gentian or dandelion.