Wormwood oil: benefits, uses and how to make it at home

Wormwood is one of the most well-known and widely used medicinal plants. Its healing properties were mentioned in the treatises of ancient Egyptian physicians, and its Latin name Artemisia is associated with the Greek goddess Artemis, who was considered the protector of women.

This plant is traditionally used to prepare water and alcohol infusions, decoctions, and powders made from dried young shoots, which are taken internally as antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory remedies. In addition, wormwood is used to produce oil that, without exaggeration, has a wide range of beneficial effects on the human body.

Composition and health benefits of wormwood oil

Wormwood essential oil is a transparent, slightly yellowish liquid with a strong, distinctive aroma. Its medicinal and wellness properties are explained by its unique physico-chemical composition. The extract from the leaves and stems of Artemisia absinthium contains:

• Thujone – a compound similar in structure to menthol, which in small doses has a relaxing and muscle-relaxing effect;
• Camphene – a monoterpene with antifungal and antibacterial properties;
• Cineole (Eucalyptol) – a highly active volatile component that reduces inflammation and helps relieve swelling of mucous membranes. It eases breathing during coughing and promotes faster removal of mucus from the respiratory tract;
• Terpenes – a group of organic compounds with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and general strengthening effects;

Uses of wormwood oil

External use of diluted wormwood oil helps heal cuts, abrasions, and other minor skin injuries, eliminates fungal infections, and reduces redness and swelling caused by inflammation.

Aromatherapy sessions with wormwood essential oil promote relaxation, calmness, and stress relief. Massage with a blend of wormwood oil and a carrier oil can reduce migraine attacks and headaches caused by high blood pressure.

In cosmetology, wormwood oil is used to fight parasites (lice and nits) and to eliminate dandruff caused by excessive scalp oiliness. To treat acne and pimples, it can be applied topically to problem areas of the face and body.

To normalize oily skin, a mixture of wormwood oil with black cumin seed oil is recommended (1–2 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil). Apply to the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin, avoiding the eye area.

Important: wormwood essential oil is not intended for internal use. Due to its high concentration of bioactive substances, ingestion may cause toxic and psychotropic effects on the gastrointestinal system.

How to make wormwood oil at home (DIY recipe)

At home, wormwood oil can be made by infusing fresh or dried leaves and young shoots of the plant in any neutral carrier oil. Finely chop or blend a large bunch of thoroughly washed and slightly dried wormwood. Place the plant material into a glass jar.

Pour in about 300 grams of sunflower, corn, camelina, or another mild-scented vegetable oil. Close the jar tightly, shake well, and store it in a dark place for 15–20 days, shaking occasionally. After infusion, strain the oil, pour it into a dark glass container, and store at room temperature.

The benefits of homemade wormwood oil largely depend on the quality of the carrier oil. The best choice is raw, natural oils obtained by cold pressing. Such oils can be produced at home using a special press, barrel, and raw materials such as nuts, seeds, or oil-bearing grains.

CraftOil presses and barrels – the perfect solution for homemade oil production

CraftOil offers a wide selection of functional, certified oil-pressing equipment for home and professional use. On our website, you can order presses with capacities ranging from 20 to 75 tons, as well as dual models capable of producing two different oils simultaneously.

The 20-ton channel and plate presses, the 30-ton hydraulic dismountable press, and the 30/30-ton oil press are ideal for those who want to provide themselves and their families with fresh, «live» vegetable oils.

Models with capacities of 50 tons and above (such as the 70-ton «Austrian» press or the 50-ton «Italian» press) are an excellent choice for those planning to produce oils for sale.

CraftOil supplies presses with barrels, cake removal tools, and provides full technical support for operation and maintenance. To learn more about homemade oil production, leave a request on our website.