Here is some detailed information I have found on the ingredients of absinthe.(from
"Dick'sEncyclopedia of Practical Receipts and Processes", 19th century, as transcribed by Dale
Pendell in "Pharmako/Poeia")
30g Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
The dried and powdered herb is used as a vermifuge. The oil is poisonous and should only be
usedexternally. It should not be taken for more than a few weeks. In ancient Mexico, women enacted
aritual dance to honor of the Goddess of Salt, where they wore garlands of wormwood in their
hair.It depresses the central medullary part of the brain, which is the area concerned with pain
andanxiety. The tea is used to help alleviate the pain of childbirth. Used occasionally, it
willsoothe the nerves and balance the mind. Excessive long-term use of wormwood liqueur (absinthe)
maybe habit-forming and cause brain damage.
Common Name: ABSINTHE, OLDMAN, WORMWOOD
Family: asteraceae
Action: analgesic, anthelmintic, antifertility, antiseptic, antispasmodic, apertif,
bitter,carminative, cholagogue, deobstruent, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, entheogen,
febrifuge,narcotic, stimulant, stomachic, vermifuge
Used to Treat: anemia, anxiety, cancer (liver), childbirth, chlorosis, depression,
depurative,fever, flatulence, gastric pain, gout, gravel, heartburn, indigestion, jaundice,
leukemia, liverinsufficiency, melancholy, migraine, nerves, neuralgia, orthopedic ailments, pain,
poor appetite,rheumatism, sclerosis, skin irritation, tremors, wen, worms, wounds
Use: liqueur, poison
Absinthe (Hebrew la'anah.)
Wormwood, known for its repulsive bitterness (Jer., ix, 15; xxiii, 15; Deut., xxix, 18;
Lam.,iii, 19; Prov., V, 4). Figuratively it stands for a curse or calamity (Lam., iii, 15), or also
forinjustice (Amos, V, 7; vi, 13). In Apoc., viii, 11, the Greek equivalent ho apsinthos
isgiven as a proper name to the star which fell into the waters and made them bitter. The
Vulgaterenders the Hebrew expression by absinithium, except in Deut., xxix, 18, where it
translatesit amaritudo. It seems that the biblical absinthe is identical with the
Artemisiamonosperma (Delile), or the Artemisia herba-alba (ASSO); or, again, the
Artemisiajuidaica Linné.
HAGEN, Lexicon Biblicum (Paris, 1905); VIGOUROUX, in Dict. de la Bible (Paris, 1895);
TRISTAM,Natural History of the Bible (London, 1889).
8.5 g Hyssop
History and Chemical Composition.?Hyssop inhabits Europe and this country, being
raisedprincipally in gardens. It flowers in July. The tops and leaves are the medicinal parts;
their odoris pleasantly fragrant, and their taste hot, spicy and somewhat bitter, which properties
are due toa volatile aromatic oil, which rises in distillation both with water and with alcohol.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.?Stimulant, aromatic, carminative and tonic. Principally
usedin quinsy and other sore throats, as a gargle, combined with sage and alum, in infusion
sweetenedwith honey. Also recommended in asthma, coughs, and other affections of the chest, as
anexpectorant.The leaves, applied to bruises, speedily relieve the pain, and disperse every spot
ormark from the parts affected. The infusion (herb, iv to aqua Oj) may be given freely; the
volatileoil, in doses of 1 or 2 drops.
ALSO SEE: Verbena hastata
Externally, blue vervain tea heals sores and wounds.
Common Name: AMERICAN VERVAIN, BLUE VERVAIN, FALSE VERVAIN, HYSSOP, INDIAN HYSSOP,
PURVAIN,SIMPLER'S-JOY, SIMPLERS JOY, TRAVELERS JOY, VERVAIN, WILD HYSSOP
Family: verbenaceae
Action: anthelmintic, antiperiodic, diaphoretic, emetic, expectorant, febrifuge,
hemostat,sedative, sudorific, tonic, tranquilizer, vermifuge
Used to Treat: albuminuria, common cold, congestion, ear ailments, fever,
gastro-intestinaldisturbances, insomnia, intestinal worms, nervous problems, sores, stomach ache,
urinary ailments,viral infections, wounds
Use: medicine
1.8 g Calamus (Sweet Flag)
Acorus Calamis
Calamus Root is considered to have anti-arrhythmic, hypotensive, vasodilatory,
anti-tussive,anti-bacterial and expectorant properties. Calamus has been used for lack of mental
focus, stomachproblems, acidity, and as an aid to quit tobacco smoking. Calamus has been shown to
be of lowtoxicity in animals, and adverse reactions are rare. Though recent studies have revealed
thepresence of B-asarone, a carcinogen, the American variety is considered superior to the
Europeanbecause it seems to lack this ingredient. The Native Americans would chew the root while
runninglong distances to increase endurance and stamina. Externally it is added to the bath to
quiet thenerves and induce a state of tranquillity. Tincture of Calamus is useful as a parasiticide
whendirectly, and frequently, applied to lice and scabies infestations. Calamus does have
emmanagogicproperties and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Calamus also called sweet-flag. The unpeeled dried rhizome of the perennial herb is used as
acarminative, a tonic, and a stimulant. It can also be taken for coughs and used to
scentpotpourris. A bit may be chewed for dyspepsia and to suppress the urge for tobacco. It has
asuper-good delicious smell, but a somewhat bitter taste. It has been used medicinally since
ancientGreek and Arabian times and is mentioned in the Old Testament, though in fact it was
confused withcitronella grass Roots are collected in late autumn or spring, washed, voided of root
fibers anddried with moderate heat. Root may be chewed or broken up and boiled as a tea. Root
deteriorateswith age and is usually inactive after 1 year. Must be stored closed in cool dry place.
A piece ofdried root the thickness of a pencil and about 2 inches long provides stimulating and
buoyantfeelings. A piece 10 inches long is reported to act as a mind alterant and hallucinogen, but
willmore likely be violently emetic, especially when mixed with alcohol.
Common Name: CALAMUS, GRASS MYRTLE, MYRTLE FLAG, RAT ROOT, SWEET FLAG, SWEET GRASS,
SWEETMYRTLE, SWEET RUSH
Family: acoraceae, araceae
Contains: asarone, beta asarone, b-asarone
Chemical Composition.?Trommsdorff found it to contain essential oil, resin, extractive
withchloride of potassium, gum with phosphate of potassium, starchy matter, woody fiber, and water.
Theoil is lighter than water, and is pale yellow, very odorous and pungent. Kurbatow (1873) found
thisoil to contain a hydrocarbon (C10H16), which, with hydrochloric acid, formed a
crystallinecompound, and another hydrocarbon refusing to combine with this acid (Pharmacographia).
Faust(1867) obtained a bitter glucosid, of a brownish color, and of a semi-fluid consistence, which
henamed acorin (C36H60O6). It contains no nitrogen when purified, is insoluble in water and
benzol,but dissolves in alcohol, methylic alcohol, chloroform, and ether. Flückiger
(Pharmacographia), byprecipitating a decoction with tannin, and treating the precipitate with
litharge, and exhaustingthe residue with chloroform, obtained a minute quantity of a very bitter,
crystalline solid. Thoms(1886) thought to have obtained a crystalline alkaloid, calamine, which,
however, in 1888 hedeclared to be trimethylamine. This result is supported by the observation of
Kunz (1888) who foundcholine to exist in calamus root.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.?The root is carminative, slightly tonic, and excitant,
andforms a useful adjunct to other tonics and stimulants. It may be used in cases of flatulent
colic,atonic dyspepsia, feebleness of the digestive organs, and to aid the action of cinchona or
quininein intermittents. It forms an excellent substitute, in syrup, for Godfrey's cordial. In
flatulentcolic of infants it is best combined with magnesia. Externally, it is a valuable
application toindolent ulcers, and to keep up the discharges from blistered surfaces and issues.
Dose of theinfusion made by scalding 4 drachms of the root, coarsely bruised, in 8 fluid ounces of
water, from4 to 6 fluid ounces; of the powdered root, 20 to 40 grains; a tincture may be prepared
from 1 partof the root and 5 parts of alcohol. Dose, from 5 to 30 minims The medicinal part of the
plant isits fleshy underground stem, which stimulates appetite and digestion while combating
spasms,relieving gas, and calming the nerves.
6.0 g Melissa
Melisse, Melissa officinalis
Common Name - BALM MINT, BEE BALM, BLUE BALM, CURE-ALL, DROPSY PLANT, GARDEN BALM, LEMON
BALM,LEMONBALM, MELISSA, SWEET BALM
Used during pregnancy for headaches and dizziness. The warm infusion of the leaves
hasdiaphoretic effects, and when added to bath water is also said to promote the onset
ofmenstruation. Use the crushed leaves as a poultice for sores, tumors, milk-knots, and insect
bites.Balm is also used in herb pillows because of its agreeable odor. When bruised, the whole
plantsmells like lemon. It is used to induce copious perspiration.
Although officially recognized only for its ability to calm the nerves, Lemon Balm has alsobeen
used as a remedy for bloating and gas, mood disorders, bronchial inflammation, high bloodpressure,
palpitations, vomiting, toothache, earache, and headache Only the plant's leaves aremedicinal.
Lemon Balm can be found in the form of dried herb, herb powder, and liquid or dryextracts, as well
as various liquid and solid commercial preparations. To make a tea, pour a cup ofhot water over 1.5
to 4.5 grams (about one-quarter to 1 teaspoonful) of crushed Lemon Balm, steepfor 10 minutes, and
strain.
Typical Dosage The usual daily dose of Lemon Balm is 8 to 10 grams (about 2
teaspoonfuls)Because the strength of commercial preparations may vary, follow the manufacturer's
instructionswhenever available.
Balm is a native of southern France, but is naturalized in various parts of Europe and
theUnited States. It grows in fields, along roadsides, and is well-known as a garden plant,
floweringfrom May to August. The whole plant is medicinal, and should be collected previous to
itsflowering. In the recent state, it has a lemon-like odor, which is nearly lost by drying.
Boilingwater extracts its virtues.
Chemical Composition.?Balm contains a bitter substance, some tannin., gum, and a
peculiarvolatile oil, which is yellowish, or reddish-yellow, very limpid, about 0.89 in density,
andpossessing the fragrance of the plant in a very high degree. A stearopten is present in it
(Bizio);the oil is soluble in 5 parts of alcohol. The yield in oil does not exceed 0.1 per cent.
Theinfusion of balm is incompatible with nitrate of silver, acetate of lead, and sulphate of iron.
30.0 g Anise Seed
Pimpinella Anisum
The fruit of Pimpinella Anisum, Linné"?(U.S.P.). (Anisum vulgare, Moench).
Nat. Ord.?Umbelliferae.
COMMON NAMES: Aniseed, Anise
Digestive, Calming, Relaxing.
Chemical Composition.?A volatile oil is contained in the external coat of the seeds, while
agreen-colored, fat oil of a butyraceous consistency, is obtained by expression of their
inclosedsubstance. Brandes obtained from the fruit of anise, concrete fixed oil, green fat oil,
resin,nitrogenous matter, sugar, gum, bimalate and binacetate of calcium, bimalate of potassium,
volatileoil, lignin, silicate of iron, water, gum-resin, phosphate of calcium, extractive with
varioussalts, etc.
The star-anise of cordial manufacturers possesses a taste and odor similar to the anise, but
isprocured from the Illicium Anisatum, Loureiro, a plant growing in Eastern Asia. A volatile oil
isobtained by distillation from its fruit, which is often fraudulently substituted for the oil
ofanise; it is called oleum badiani or oil of star anise. Oil of common anise is
sometimesadulterated with spermaceti or camphor, to promote its solidification; the former may be
known byits insolubility in cold alcohol, the latter by its odor.
Oil of anise yields, upon oxidation, anisic acid (C8H8O3=C6H4[OCH3]COOH). This acid occurs
inthe form of colorless crystals, insoluble in water, but freely soluble in alcohol. It is
anoxidation product of anethol (C10H12O) (the chief principle of the oils of anise [94 per
cent,Flückiger], star anise and fennel), obtained by fractional distillation of the oil of
anise,reserving and purifying that fraction distilling from 230° to 234° C. (446° to 453.2° F.).
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.?A stimulant and carminative; used in cases of
flatulency,flatulent colic of infants, and to remove nausea. Sometimes added to other medicines to
improvetheir flavor, correct griping and other disagreeable effects. The dose of aniseed, crushed
orpowdered, is from 20 to 40 grains. Infusion, for infants, in doses of a teaspoonful.
Derivatives.?ANISIC ACID is claimed to be antipyretic and antiseptic acting very much
likesalicylic acid, and has been employed with reputed success in articular rheumatism, and as
atopical application to wounds. For internal use sodium anisate is preferred, the acid being
butlittle used. Dose of the salt, 15 grains.
25.0 g Fennel Seed
"The fruit of Foeniculum capillaceum, Gilibert"?(U. S. P.) (Foeniculum vulgare,
Gaertner;Foeniculum officinale, Allioni; Anethum Foeniculum, Linné, Meum Foeniculum, Sprengel).
Nat. Ord.?Umbelliferae.
COMMON NAMES AND SYNONYM: Common fennel, Fennel fruits, Fennel seeds, Sweet fennel,
Romanfennel; Semen foeniculi.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.?Carminative, stimulant, galactagogue, diuretic,
anddiaphoretic. Used in flatulent colic, and as a corrigent of unpleasant medicines. May be used
inamenorrhoea and in suppressed lactation. Dose of powdered seeds, from 10 to 30 grains;
infusion(grs. xl. to aqua Oss), 1 teaspoonful (infants) to wineglassful (adults).
Chemical Composition and Tests.?Oil of fennel contains from 50 to 60 per cent of anethol
(seeOleum Anisi) which crystallizes out upon cooling, and dextro-fenchone (C10H16O, Wallach
andHartmann, 1890), an oily, camphoraceous ketone of bitter taste, solidifying above the
temperatureof melting ice, boiling at 192° to 193° C. (377.6° to 379.4° F.) and forming with
hydroxylamine acrystallizable oxime (C10H16:N.OH), characterized by its melting point, 164° to 165°
C. (327.2° to329° F.). Furthermore, dextro-pinene and dipentene are present. Tardy (1897) found in
a specimen ofFrench fennel oil, in addition, methyl-chavicol (see Oleum Anisi), and perhaps
anise-ketone(C6H4.OCH3.CH2COCH3). The relative amounts of these constituents vary according to the
geographicalsources of the oil; thus, fenchone is entirely absent in sweet or Roman fennel from
southern Franceand Macedonia, while Sicilian fennel (Foeniculum piperitum, De Candolle) contains
but traces ofanethol. Oil of bitter fennel, growing wild in France, Spain, and Algeria, contains
principallydextro-phellandrene, and traces of fenchone and anethol. According to Gildemeister and
Hoffmann(Die Aetherischen Oele, p. 740), oil of fennel from which part of its anethol is removed
byrefrigeration, does not solidify at or above 3° C. (37.4° F.). An addition of alcohol or oil
ofturpentine reduces the specific gravity of the oil. The specific gravities, according to
Schimmeland Co. (Report, April, 1897), range from 0.920 (Spanish fruit) to 0.987 (Asia Minor or
Aleppofruit). The U. S. P. gives the following tests for the purity of oil of fennel: "The oil is
notcolored by the addition of a drop of ferric chloride T.S. (absence of some foreign oils
containingphenols, and of carbolic acid). If the oil be dropped into water, without agitation, it
should notproduce a milky turbidity (absence of alcohol)"?(U. S. P.).
10.0 g Star Anise
The fruit of Illicium verum, Hooker.
Nat. Ord.?Magnoliaceae.
COMMON NAMES AND SYNONYMS: Star-anise, Star-anise fruit, Chinese anise; Semen badiana,
Anisistellata fructus.
Star-anise should not be confounded with the very similar but poisonous fruit of
Illiciumanisatum, Linné
The volatile oil (oil of star-anise), amounts to about 4 to 5 per cent, and is almost
identicalwith oil of anise (from Pimpinella Anisum, Linné). Star-anise oil (from Chinese fruit)
according toSchimmel and Co.'s Semi-annual Report (October, 1893), has the specific gravity at 15°
C. (59° F.),of 0.980 to 0.990, and its known constituents are anethol, phellandrene, safrol,
andhydro-quinone-ethyl-ether, while only anethol (C6H4[OCH3][CH:CHCH3]) and pinene
([C10H16])(Flückiger, Pharmacognosie, 1891) are given as the constituents of anise oil, which has
the samedensity as star-anise oil.
Both the seeds and oil of star-anise possess the stimulant, diuretic, carminative, and
slightlyanodyne properties of anise. Locally applied and internally administered, they have been
used forabdominal pains, particularly when associated with flatus, and in bronchitis, and locally
alone inearache and rheumatic complaints. The dose of the powder is from 10 to 20 grains; of the
oil, from1 to 10 drops. Oil of star-anise is largely employed to impart a flavor to spirits,
especially inFrance, Germany and Italy.
3.2 g Coriander Seed
Coriander is a stimulant and carminative, and is employed in medicine as an adjuvant or
corrigent.Its dose is from 20 to 60 grains.
Put the dry herbs in a large jar. Dampen slightly. Add 800 milliliters of 85-95 percentalcohol.
Wine spirits make a better product than pure grain alcohol. Let steep for several days - aweek is
better - shaking occasionally. Then add 600 milliliters of water and let the whole maceratefor
another day. Decant off the liquid squeezing as much from the mass of herb as possible. Wet
theherbs with some vodka and squeeze again. Recipe should give a little over a liter and a half
ofgreen liquor. It must then be distilled.
Color the distillate by again adding:
4.2 g mint
1.1 g melisssa
3.0 g wormwood
1.0 g citron peel
4.2 g liquorice root
Other Plants containing thujone:
Salvia officinalis L. - Sage (Leaf)
Salvia triloba L. - Greek Sage (Plant)
Artemisia dracunculus L. - Tarragon (Shoot)
Mentha x rotundifolia (L.) HUDSON - Applemint (Leaf)
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium SCHRAD. - Slenderleaf Mountain Mint (Shoot)
Mentha pulegium L. - European Pennyroyal (Plant)
Thymus orospedanus H. del VILLAR - Orosped Thyme (Plant)
Achillea millefolium L. - Yarrow (Plant)
Capsicum frutescens L. - Cayenne (Fruit)
Carum carvi L. - Caraway (Fruit)
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. - Licorice (Root)
Juniperus sabina L. - Sabine (Plant)
Matricaria recutita L. - Annual Chamomile (Plant)
Mentha arvensis L. - Cornmint (Plant)
Sassafras albidum (NUTT.) NEES - Sassafras (Root)
Satureja hortensis L. - Summer Savory (Plant)
