Artemisia absinthum was used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, medicinally and in religious rites. The oil acts as a local anaesthetic for rheumatism, neuralgia and arthritis. The Indian tribes of North America prepared parts of this plant to treat sore throats and bronchitis.

Wormwood is the main active ingredient of the spirit liqueur Absinthe and attained notoriety from its excessive use and abuse. Absinthe was the drug of inspiration for prominent painters and authors.

Absinthe was made by steeping wormwood herb and other herbs in alcohol and then distilling this.

The Wormwood leaves and flowers are very bitter, with a characteristic odour.