When Was Wormwood Banned and Why? Exploring Its Toxic History

Discover when and why wormwood was banned globally, focusing on its toxic compound thujone and absinthe's controversial history.

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Wormwood was banned in the early 20th century in many parts of the world due to concerns over its toxic compound, thujone. It was particularly associated with its main ingredient in absinthe, which was believed to cause hallucinations and other health issues.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is thujone? Thujone is a chemical compound found in wormwood that can be toxic in high doses and is associated with hallucinations.
  2. Why was absinthe banned? Absinthe was banned due to its association with negative health effects, largely attributed to the thujone content.
  3. Is wormwood safe to use? Wormwood can be dangerous if consumed in large amounts, primarily due to its thujone content, and should be used with caution.
  4. When did absinthe become legal again? Absinthe became legal again in many countries in the early 2000s after studies found that it was not as dangerous as once believed.