Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Wormwood vs Valerian
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Wormwood and Valerian: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), menstrual cramps, …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Wormwood | Valerian | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
| Menstrual cramps | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
| Muscle spasm | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Intensely bitter sesquiterpene lactones responsible for the classic digestive-bitter action.
Volatile oil containing thujone (alpha- and beta-isomers), the neurotoxic ketone that limits safe internal use, along with other monoterpenes.
Antioxidant constituents contributing to the plant's antioxidant activity.
Sesquiterpenes thought to be key contributors to the sedative, GABA-A-modulating action.
Unstable iridoid esters historically of pharmacological interest, though their contribution to the whole-root effect is debated.
Responsible for the root's characteristic strong aroma.
Pharmacological Actions
Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) total flavonoids and its constituent alpha/beta-thujone induce ROS- and caspase-mediated apoptosis in cervical and choriocarcinoma cancer cells (preclinical).
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic action
Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) total flavonoids (cynaroside, astragalin) inhibit HeLa cervical cancer cells via ROS-mediated apoptosis, and its terpenoid alpha,beta-thujone induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in choriocarcinoma cells and sensitizes them to paclitaxel (preclinical).
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
CAUTION: Contains thujone, which is neurotoxic in significant amounts. Internal use should be limited in duration and dose — short-term use only (under 4 weeks). Contraindicated in pregnancy (powerful uterine stimulant). Avoid in epilepsy, renal disease, and in children. The small amounts present in properly prepared bitter tinctures and vermouth are generally considered safe. The thujone content of absinthe was historically exaggerated.
Duke (2002) rates wormwood as + (use with caution) and provides clinical evidence (score 2) for use as an aperitif and bitter digestive tonic, consistent with Commission E approval for dyspeptic complaints and loss of appetite. The plant contains absinthin and artabsin (bitter sesquiterpene lactones) responsible for digestive stimulation, and also thujone — a neurotoxic ketone that is the active agent responsible for 'absinthism' (historical neurological syndrome linked to absinthe consumption). Duke strongly cautions that thujone content limits safe long-term use, and wormwood should not be taken internally for more than 4 weeks at a time. Strictly contraindicated in pregnancy (abortifacient, neurotoxic) and epilepsy (Duke, 2002).
Generally well tolerated for short-to-medium term use. May cause vivid dreams, morning grogginess, or headache in some individuals. Avoid combining with alcohol, sedatives, or anaesthetics. Do not drive immediately after taking high doses. Do not use in children under 3 years. Abrupt discontinuation after long-term use may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Duke (2002) does not appear to include a primary entry for Valeriana officinalis (European valerian) in the sections searched. The entry found was for Indian valerian (Valeriana jatamansi). Commission E approves European valerian for restlessness and sleep disorders. Dose: 400–900 mg standardized root extract before bedtime. Interactions include potentiation of CNS depressants and sedatives.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Aromatic, silvery-grey perennial herb with finely divided, silky-hairy leaves and numerous small, pale yellow, drooping, globe-shaped flower heads borne in loose branched panicles. The whole plant has a characteristic intensely bitter taste and a pungent, sage-like aroma.[4]
Tall, upright perennial herb with hollow, grooved stems and opposite, pinnately divided leaves. Small, pale pink to white, sweetly scented flowers are borne in dense, domed clusters (cymes) at the top of the stem; the dried root has a distinctive strong, earthy, 'dirty sock' smell.[12]
Habitat
Grows on dry, sunny, stony or waste ground, roadsides and field margins; native to Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia, and naturalised in North America.[4]
Grows in damp meadows, ditches, riverbanks and marshy ground, tolerating both sun and partial shade; native to Europe and parts of Asia and naturalised in North America.[12]
Harvesting
The flowering aerial parts (leaf, stem and flower) are cut as flowering begins, in mid- to late summer, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place.[4]
The rhizome and roots are dug in autumn of the second year, once the strong characteristic aroma has developed, then cleaned and dried.[12]
Traditional Uses
Preparations
Dosage
Because of its thujone content, traditional herbal references limit internal use to small bitter doses (around 0.5-1 g dried herb per cup) for no more than about 4 weeks at a time. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Commission E and clinical research commonly suggest around 400-900 mg standardized root extract taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Not documented
Valerian and hops are traditionally combined for sleep; a controlled trial found the valerian-hops combination shortened the time to fall asleep more than valerian alone. Both add to sedation, so expect stronger drowsiness.[18, 19]
Valerian and passionflower are both mild GABA-acting sedatives often blended in sleep and calming formulas; combined use may enhance relaxation but also additive drowsiness.[19, 20]
Valerian and lemon balm are a classic calming pair acting on the GABA system to improve sleep quality; combined use may increase sedation.[19]
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Batiha, G.E.S., Olatunde, A., El-Mleeh, A., Hetta, H.F., Al-Rejaie, S. et al (2020) 'Bioactive Compounds, Pharmacological Actions, and Pharmacokinetics of Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)', Antibiotics (Basel), 9(6), pp. 353. doi:10.3390/antibiotics9060353 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics9060353 - Wubuli, A., Abdulla, R., Zhao, J., Wu, T. and Aisa, H.A (2024) 'Exploring anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-related quality markers of Artemisia absinthium L. based on spectrum-effect relationship', Phytochemical Analysis, 35(5), pp. 1152-1173. doi:10.1002/pca.3350 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.3350 - Rashidi, R., Akaberi, M., Gholoobi, A., Ghazavi, H. and Forouzanfar, F (2023) 'Artemisia absinthium Extract Attenuates the Quinolinic Acid-Induced Cell Injury in OLN-93 Cells', Current Drug Discovery Technologies, 20(4), pp. e300323215213. doi:10.2174/1570163820666230330105331 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/1570163820666230330105331 - Szopa, A., Pajor, J., Klin, P., Rzepiela, A., Elansary, H.O., Al-Mana, F.A., Mattar, M.A. and Ekiert, H (2020) 'Artemisia absinthium L. - Importance in the History of Medicine, the Latest Advances in Phytochemistry and Therapeutical, Cosmetological and Culinary Uses', Plants, 9(9), pp. 1063. doi:10.3390/plants9091063 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9091063 - Hbika, A., Daoudi, N.E., Bouyanzer, A., Bouhrim, M., Mohti, H., Loukili, E.H., Mechchate, H., Al-Salahi, R., Nasr, F.A., Bnouham, M. and Zaid, A (2022) 'Artemisia absinthium L. Aqueous and Ethyl Acetate Extracts: Antioxidant Effect and Potential Activity In Vitro and In Vivo against Pancreatic alpha-Amylase and Intestinal alpha-Glucosidase', Pharmaceutics, 14(3), pp. 481. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14030481 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14030481 - Bagheri, F., Amri, J., Salehi, M., Karami, H., Alimoradian, A. and Latifi, S.A (2020) 'Effect of Artemisia absinthium ethanolic extract on oxidative stress markers and the TLR4, S100A4, Bax and Bcl-2 genes expression in the kidney of STZ-induced diabetic rats', Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation, 41(4), pp. 20200028. doi:10.1515/hmbci-2020-0028 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1515/hmbci-2020-0028 - Al-Malki, A.L (2018) 'Shikimic acid from Artemisia absinthium inhibits protein glycation in diabetic rats', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 122, pp. 1212-1216. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.072 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.072 - Boeing, T., de Souza, J., Vilhena da Silva, R.C., Mariano, L.N.B., Mota da Silva, L., Gerhardt, G.M., Cretton, S., Klein-Junior, L.C. and de Souza, P (2023) 'Gastroprotective effect of Artemisia absinthium L.: A medicinal plant used in the treatment of digestive disorders', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 312, pp. 116488. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116488 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116488 - Liu, Z., Li, X., Jin, Y., Nan, T., Zhao, Y., Huang, L. and Yuan, Y (2023) 'New Evidence for Artemisia absinthium as an Alternative to Classical Antibiotics: Chemical Analysis of Phenolic Compounds, Screening for Antimicrobial Activity', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(15), pp. 12044. doi:10.3390/ijms241512044 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512044 - Moaca, E., Pavel, I.Z., Danciu, C., Crainiceanu, Z., Minda, D., Ardelean, F., Antal, D.S., Ghiulai, R., Cioca, A., Derban, M., Simu, S., Chioibas, R., Szuhanek, C. and Dehelean, C (2019) 'Romanian Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.): Physicochemical and Nutraceutical Screening', Molecules, 24(17), pp. 3087. doi:10.3390/molecules24173087 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24173087 - Turak, A., Shi, S., Jiang, Y. and Tu, P (2014) 'Dimeric guaianolides from Artemisia absinthium', Phytochemistry, 105, pp. 109-114. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2014.06.016 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2014.06.016 - Correa-Ferreira, M.L., Noleto, G.R. and Oliveira Petkowicz, C.L (2013) 'Artemisia absinthium and Artemisia vulgaris: a comparative study of infusion polysaccharides', Carbohydrate Polymers, 102, pp. 738-745. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.10.096 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.10.096 - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Lee, J.-Y. and Park, H. and Lim, W. and Song, G (2020) 'alpha,beta-Thujone suppresses human placental choriocarcinoma cells via metabolic disruption', Reproduction, 159(6), pp. 745-756. doi:10.1530/REP-20-0018 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-20-0018 - He, M. and Yasin, K. and Yu, S. and Li, J. and Xia, L (2023) 'Total Flavonoids in Artemisia absinthium L. and Evaluation of Its Anticancer Activity', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(22), pp. 16348. doi:10.3390/ijms242216348 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242216348 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
- Chandra Shekhar, H., Joshua, L. and Thomas, J.V (2024) 'Standardized Extract of Valeriana officinalis Improves Overall Sleep Quality in Human Subjects with Sleep Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study', Advances in Therapy, 41(1), pp. 246-261. doi:10.1007/s12325-023-02708-6 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-023-02708-6 - Shinjyo, N., Waddell, G. and Green, J (2020) 'Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 25, pp. 2515690X20967323. doi:10.1177/2515690X20967323 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X20967323 - Borras, S., Martinez-Solis, I. and Rios, J.L (2021) 'Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review', Planta Medica, 87(10-11), pp. 738-753. doi:10.1055/a-1510-9826 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1510-9826 - Nunes, A. and Sousa, M (2011) 'Use of valerian in anxiety and sleep disorders: what is the best evidence?', Acta Medica Portuguesa, 24(Suppl 4), pp. 961-966. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Use%20of%20valerian%20in%20anxiety%20and%20sleep%20disorders%3A%20what%20is%20the%20best%20evidence%3F - Tammadon, M.R., Nobahar, M., Hydarinia-Naieni, Z., Ebrahimian, A. and others (2021) 'The Effects of Valerian on Sleep Quality, Depression, and State Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind, Crossover Clinical Trial', Oman Medical Journal, 36(2), pp. e255. doi:10.5001/omj.2021.56 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2021.56 - Alternative Medicine Review (2004) 'Monograph: Valeriana officinalis', Alternative Medicine Review, 9(4), pp. 438-441. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Monograph%3A%20Valeriana%20officinalis - Soltani, A., Bahrami, F., Bahari, Z., Shankayi, Z. and others (2021) 'The effects of Valerian on sleep spindles in a model of neuropathic pain', Sleep Science, 14(Spec 2), pp. 133-139. doi:10.5935/1984-0063.20200110 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.5935/1984-0063.20200110 - Mineo, L., Concerto, C., Patel, D., Mayorga, T. and others (2017) 'Valeriana officinalis Root Extract Modulates Cortical Excitatory Circuits in Humans', Neuropsychobiology, 75(1), pp. 46-51. doi:10.1159/000480053 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1159/000480053 - Jacobs, B.P., Bent, S., Tice, J.A., Blackwell, T. and Cummings, S.R (2005) 'An internet-based randomized, placebo-controlled trial of kava and valerian for anxiety and insomnia', Medicine (Baltimore), 84(4), pp. 197-207. doi:10.1097/01.md.0000172299.72364.95 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.md.0000172299.72364.95 - Alkharfy, K.M. and Frye, R.F (2007) 'Effect of valerian, valerian/hops extracts, and valerenic acid on glucuronidation in vitro', Xenobiotica, 37(2), pp. 113-123. doi:10.1080/00498250601050420 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/00498250601050420 - Garges, H.P., Varia, I. and Doraiswamy, P.M (1998) 'Cardiac complications and delirium associated with valerian root withdrawal', 280(18), pp. 1566--1567. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Cardiac%20complications%20and%20delirium%20associated%20with%20valerian%20root%20withdrawal - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', 119(12), pp. 1005--1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 - Francis, A.J. and Dempster, R.J (2002) 'Effect of valerian, Valeriana edulis, on sleep difficulties in children with intellectual deficits: randomised trial', 9(4), pp. 273--279. doi:10.1078/0944-7113-00110 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1078/0944-7113-00110 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ortiz, J.G., Rassi, N., Maldonado, P.M., Gonzalez-Cabrera, S. and Ramos, I (2006) 'Commercial valerian interactions with [3H]Flunitrazepam and [3H]MK-801 binding to rat synaptic membranes', Phytotherapy Research, 20(9), pp. 794-798. doi:10.1002/ptr.1960 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1960 - Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', The American Journal of Medicine, 119(12), pp. 1005-1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 - Koetter, U., Schrader, E., Kaeufeler, R. and Brattstroem, A (2007) 'A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical study to demonstrate clinical efficacy of a fixed valerian hops extract combination (Ze 91019) in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder', Phytotherapy Research, 21(9), pp. 847-851. doi:10.1002/ptr.2167 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2167 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Ngan, A. and Conduit, R (2011) 'A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality', Phytotherapy Research, 25(8), pp. 1153-1159. doi:10.1002/ptr.3400 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3400 - Practical Self Reliance 'Foraging Wild Valerian For Better Sleep'. Available at: https://practicalselfreliance.com/foraging-valerian/ Traditional / reference
https://practicalselfreliance.com/foraging-valerian/ - Dayan, A.D (2024) 'Death of Socrates: a likely case of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62(1), pp. 56-60. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 - King County Noxious Weeds (2024) 'Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) identification and control'. Available at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock Traditional / reference
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.