Bolivian Wormwood vs Ethiopian Gesho

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Bolivian Wormwood

Artemisia boliviana

Digestive

Rhamnus prinoides

Digestive

Bolivian Wormwood

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Ethiopian Gesho

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

High-altitude wormwood from Bolivian Andes used in Kallawaya medicine for digestive, antiparasitic, and ceremonial purposes.

Bittering herb central to Ethiopian cuisine and traditional medicine, used as hops equivalent in tej honey wine.

Active Compounds

artabsin, absinthin, camphor, thujone

rhamnazin, quercetin, kaempferol, tannins

Traditional Uses

treatment of intestinal parasites, digestive bitter tonic, ceremonial purification in Kallawaya medicine

bittering agent in tej and tella Ethiopian beverages, treatment of malaria fever, digestive bitter

Modern Uses

antiparasitic, digestive bitter, antimicrobial

antimicrobial, antifungal, digestive bitter

Adult Dosage

1-2g dried herb as brief tea course; short courses only

2-4g dried leaf as bitter tea

Contraindications

pregnancy - abortifacient, epilepsy, kidney disease

pregnancy, liver disease

Side Effects

neurotoxicity with prolonged use, thujone toxicity

bitter GI reaction

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E