When Tradition Meets Science
The desert wormwood of the Land of Israel is a low-growing desert shrub with a unique scent and a strong, bitter taste.
It grows on exposed soft chalk rock formations in stream channels, mainly in the Negev and Judean Desert. The plant reaches peak flowering and potency at the end of summer, displaying yellowish inflorescences. To survive desert conditions, the branches of the sheeh that extend from the main stem develop their own root systems, enabling independent nourishment rather than relying solely on the main trunk. The Bedouins call the plant "the king of desert plants."
In ancient times, Greek doctors noted that wormwood was considered in their tradition to be "warming and astringent, aiding digestion," and they attributed its contribution to the general feeling of comfort.
In various traditions, the desert sheeh is mentioned as a plant with a central place in everyday life. Historical writings describe uses linked to the digestive system, from comfort in the stomach to decoctions considered to support digestive processes. Similar to modern research, folk traditions also describe the desert sheeh's association with expelling excess water and fluids from the body, cleansing the liver and bile, producing essential digestive juices, actively helping with worms, intestinal inflammation, regulating bowel movements, and preventing severe constipation.
It also helps with jaundice and women's ailments. In various communities, it was recorded that the plant also accompanied women's health. Maimonides mentions the use of wormwood as a decoction among women, and described the plant as part of the broad framework of herbal medicine available to him. Traditions mention associations with stomach upset, preventing vomiting, strengthening the fetus, and preventing cases of miscarriage. Other folk sources also describe preparing powder from the plant combined with olive oil, which was used externally by applying to the skin after snake or scorpion bites and stings.
Wormwood is mentioned in many medical and historical sources throughout the centuries:
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (Maimonides, 13th century): Classified wormwood in the category of "hot and dry" plants as part of the herbal medicine system he developed.
Rabbi Meir Ibn Aldabi (14th century, Toledo): Mentioned the traditional use of a hot bath with wormwood to relieve feelings of female discomfort.
Ibn Sina (11th century, "The Canon of Medicine"): Described the traditional use of wormwood-based oil to soothe irritated skin and support hair growth. Ancient traditions described mixing wormwood powder with olive or almond oil for external use in chest massage for dry cough.
In Talmudic sources: Wormwood is mentioned as a plant attributed with various effects, including relieving chest pain, supporting childbirth, and strengthening the body after birth.
In the traditional medicine of Bedouin communities: Wormwood infusions have been used for generations to support relief from coughs and colds, to strengthen the general sense of well-being during challenging times, and to encourage appetite. Other traditions attribute uses to the plant for comfort in the digestive system and for stomach discomfort.
In the Bible: Wormwood is mentioned several times - "bitter as wormwood" - connecting bitter taste with suffering and distress.
*From Rabbi Moshe Cohen's book, " Health and Medicinal Plants According to the Method of Maimonides"
**Taken from the Herbal Talmud by Avraham Dahan
Regulatory clarification
All of the above references describe historical traditions and ethnobotanical evidence only. They do not constitute modern medical advice, have not been tested against current clinical standards, and should not be considered medical treatment.
Dietary supplements are not medicines, and are not intended to cure or prevent disease.
