What is wormwood? Is it safe to consume?

Wormwood is a bitter aromatic herb that’s used in flavoring (and coloring) baked goods and some liqueurs and spirits, such as absinthe and vermouth. And actually, vermouth derives its name from the German “wermut” and the French “vermout,” which translate to wormwood. There are more than 200 plants in the genus Artemisia, aka wormwood. Traditionally it was a medicinal herb used to treat colds, stomach problems, and rheumatism. In the EU, the primary bittering agent for vermouth

from the Artemisia genus but the U.S. doesn’t require this. Wormwood contains a compound, thujone, that can be toxic at very high doses. In normal doses, it’s safe to consume, but it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider.