Wormwood Oil American
Item#: 504105 CAS: 8008-93-3 FEMA: 3116
Odor Strength: Medium
Odor Description: Herbal, green, fresh, davana, horehound
Taste Description: Wormwood
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a fern-like plant, notorious as a key ingredient in the spirit absinthe,. Absinthe is a liquor that was popular in France in the late 19th and early 20th century, which was thought to have hallucinogenic properties – hence its nickname “la fee verte” (the green fairy). Nowadays, wormwood essential oil is used as an aroma ingredient, for instance flavor Vermouth, a fortified Italian wine. Wormwood oil is also occasionally used in perfumery, such as in popular fragrances like Burberry Body and Ralph Lauren Polo Black.
Wormwood is now grown commercially in the midwestern US, mainly in Michigan – although Vigon’s sourcing team has spotted wormwood fields in Southern Europe and Morocco. The botanical requires approximately two years to reach maturity for essential oil production after initial planting. The fern is ready to harvest when the plant begins to flower, which is typically in mid-late summer.
Vigon’s Wormwood Oil American is produced through steam distillation. The stems, leaves, and flowers are exposed to pressurized steam which releases the plant’s naturally-occuring molecules, as they evaporate with the steam. The steam flows through a cooling chamber, which condenses to water. The fragrant wormwood oil floats to the top of the decanter and is separated from the water. The oil is blueish-green due to the oil’s concentration of azulene. The extract is rich in other organic chemicals such as thujone, borneol, and pinene.
Perfumers use wormwood oil for its green and pleasantly bitter aroma. It possesses a distinctly fresh top note, a warm wood-like body note. It is commonly paired with jasmine, citrus, and oakmoss to create herbaceous fragrances.
The flavor of wormwood is very bitter, and is often described as astringent. When diluted, the extract tastes is reminiscent of chamomile. As mentioned above, it is an important ingredient in Vermouth wine, a traditional Italian and French beverage made of wine flavored with herbs and aromatics.
Wormwood Oil has a plethora of aromatherapy benefits. It is an antiparasitic, for both humans and animals. The oil can heal wounds and minor joint pains. Some use wormwood oil to aid with various digestive issues and kidney problems.
If you are interested in seeing a sample or placing an order, please email Nicholas Bourne at nbourne@vigon.com or call 570-422-6026.