Absinth Oil
Absinth Oil, also known as Wormwood Essential Oil, is a highly aromatic essential oil extracted through steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops of the Artemisia absinthium plant. Native to Europe and Asia and known historically for its use in absinthe liqueur, this oil features a sharp, bitter, herbaceous aroma with a green and slightly medicinal edge. Rich in thujone, chamazulene, and other bioactive compounds, Absinth Oil is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-stimulating properties.
While traditionally associated with herbal medicine and ritualistic use, modern applications of Absinth Oil span personal care, pharmaceuticals, and natural pest repellents. Due to its intensity and potential toxicity in high concentrations, it is used in very controlled amounts in fragrance and therapeutic blends. It is valued for its distinctive scent and potent botanical properties, particularly in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and natural cleaning formulations.
Uses
Primary Uses
Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Added in trace amounts to perfumes and colognes for its deep, green, bitter-herbaceous notes.
- Used in skin-toning creams and astringent lotions for its purifying effects (in highly diluted concentrations).
- Incorporated into massage oils and topical balms for its warming and circulation-stimulating effects.
- Used in shampoos and scalp formulations to promote scalp hygiene and manage oiliness (carefully dosed).
- Featured in men’s grooming products such as aftershaves, beard balms, and deodorants for its herbal depth.
Aromatherapy & Wellness
- Used with caution in blends aimed at stimulating alertness and mental clarity.
- Incorporated into diffuser blends for its grounding and protective aromatherapeutic qualities.
- Occasionally included in folk medicine-inspired formulations for digestive and tonic effects (non-ingestible grade).
- Employed in energy-clearing or ritualistic oil blends for spiritual and mood-resetting purposes.
Pharmaceuticals
- Historically used in digestive bitters and herbal tonics (in highly controlled and regulated quantities).
- Employed in topical preparations for minor muscle pain relief and skin irritation (under medical supervision).
- Investigated for antimicrobial applications in herbal pharmacopoeia.
Secondary Uses
Cleaning and Detergent Products
- Incorporated in natural cleaning sprays and disinfectants for its strong antimicrobial and insect-repelling properties.
- Used in green household formulations for its powerful deodorizing and sanitizing qualities.
- Added to botanical room sprays to cleanse air and surfaces naturally.
Fragrance and Ambient Scenting
- Used in niche perfumery as a unique green, bitter middle note for aromatic complexity.
- Added to scented candles and incense sticks to evoke herbal, medicinal, or ancient ceremonial themes.
- Blended into essential oil diffusers for a pungent, earthy backdrop to spiritual or meditative spaces.
Pest Control
- Used as a botanical insect repellent in natural bug sprays and anti-moth sachets.
- Incorporated into pet-safe outdoor formulations to deter insects in garden or stable environments.
Traditional and Herbal Craft
- Sometimes included in herbal blends and ceremonial oil infusions (non-ingestible, aromatic only).
- Used by herbalists for creating tinctures and topical salves (under strict regulation and safety standards).
Basic Identification Attributes
- Botanical Name: Artemisia absinthium
- Common/Trade Name: Absinth Oil / Wormwood Oil
- INCI Name: Artemisia Absinthium Oil
- CAS Number: 8008-93-3
- HS Code: 3301.29
- Synonyms: Wormwood Essential Oil, Artemisia Oil, Green Fairy Oil
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid essential oil
- Color & Odor: Pale green to yellow; bitter, herbaceous, camphoraceous scent
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol and fixed oils
- Refractive Index: 1.460 – 1.490
- Specific Gravity: 0.890 – 0.950
- Main Components: Thujone, camphor, sabinene, chamazulene, myrcene
Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Flammable liquid; toxic if ingested; harmful if inhaled or absorbed through skin in concentrated form
- Toxicity: Contains thujone — neurotoxic in large quantities; for external use only
- Exposure Limits: Should be used in concentrations below regulatory thresholds (0.4% in cosmetics recommended)
- Allergen Information: Contains potential allergens such as thujone, camphor, and pinene derivatives
Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store tightly sealed in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight
- Container Type: Amber glass or stainless steel to prevent oxidation
- Shelf Life: Up to 24 months under optimal storage conditions
- Handling Precautions: Avoid skin contact and inhalation of concentrated vapor; use in well-ventilated areas
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Restricted under IFRA guidelines for certain applications (especially perfumes and rinse-off products)
- Regulated in many countries due to thujone content; not permitted for ingestion unless within very low limits
- Manufactured in GMP-compliant facilities
- Subject to additional safety review in food and pharmaceutical contexts
Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Biodegradable under standard environmental conditions
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life in concentrated form; avoid release into waterways
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate under normal environmental exposure
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection if handling large quantities
- Handling Guidelines: Use under expert supervision; never use undiluted on skin
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air and monitor for symptoms; seek medical attention if needed
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; discontinue use if irritation occurs
- Eye Contact: Flush with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical care
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek emergency medical assistance immediately
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Flammable liquid; keep away from sparks, flames, and static discharge
- Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, COâ‚‚, or water spray
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, herbal vapors, potential irritants