Wormwood, scientifically known as Artemisia absinthium, is a plant that has been historically associated with the production of absinthe, a highly alcoholic spirit. There has been a long-standing belief that wormwood, specifically its chemical compound called thujone, can induce hallucinations and even madness. However, it is important to understand the truth behind these claims.
First and foremost, it is crucial to note that the absinthe available for sale legally in the United States and many other countries contains only trace amounts of thujone. The regulations surrounding the production and sale of absinthe ensure that the thujone levels are within safe limits. As a result, the absinthe currently on the market does not possess the ability to cause hallucinations or any significant psychoactive effects.
To put things into perspective, thujone is found in various plants, including sage and rosemary, but at significantly lower levels than in wormwood. In fact, the thujone content in wormwood itself is relatively low compared to the exaggerated claims often associated with absinthe. Consuming a typical serving of absinthe would provide you with only a minuscule amount of thujone, nowhere near enough to induce hallucinations or any form of craziness.
Furthermore, even if one were to consume a substantial amount of wormwood, the likelihood of experiencing hallucinations or madness is still highly improbable. Thujone, even in higher doses, does not possess potent hallucinogenic properties. In fact, the effects of thujone are generally more related to its toxicity rather than any psychoactive properties. Consuming a whole wormwood plant would likely result in severe gastrointestinal distress rather than hallucinations.
The association between absinthe and hallucinations can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when absinthe gained popularity among artists and bohemian circles. During this time, absinthe was often consumed in excessive amounts and mixed with other alcoholic beverages, leading to a range of adverse effects. These effects were primarily a result of alcohol intoxication rather than the presence of thujone.
The idea that wormwood or absinthe can make you crazy or induce hallucinations is largely a myth. The thujone content in legally sold absinthe is minimal and incapable of causing any significant psychoactive effects. Even consuming a whole wormwood plant would not result in hallucinations but rather lead to digestive problems. It is essential to approach the topic with a critical mindset and separate fact from fiction.