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Artemisia absinthium

(Sensitizer – use with caution in perfumery)  – see conflicting information at www.thegoodscentscompany.com regarding artemisia absinthium l. Cuba, Artemisia absinthium l. oil Italy, Artemisia absinthium l. oil Poland

Description:
Wormwood oil is steam-distilled from the aerial parts of Artemisia absinthium, a silvery-green herb native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is most famous as a key ingredient in absinthe and is known for its bitter, medicinal, and slightly camphoraceous scent. Its use in natural perfumery is limited due to potential sensitization and regulatory restrictions.

Uses:
Used sparingly in natural perfumery for its sharp green-herbal top notes that lend complexity to fougère, chypre, and herbal accords. Occasionally used in modern aromatic perfumes to introduce a bitter twist or medicinal note.

Goes Well With:
Lavender, rosemary, vetiver, clary sage, galbanum, and citrus oils (especially bergamot and lemon).

Regions:
Cuba, Italy, Poland

Extraction Method:
Steam distillation from the flowering tops and leaves

Unique Characteristics:
Contains thujone (a known neurotoxin in large quantities), which contributes to its bitter, almost metallic edge. Wormwood has a historical legacy in medicine and spirit-making and remains symbolically tied to mysticism and ritual.

Descriptive Language Categories

Note Family: Herbal, Bitter, Green

Texture: Piercing, sharp, dry, volatile

Emotion: Stimulating, bracing, slightly unnerving

Analogy: Crushed alpine herbs, tincture of absinthe, medicinal tonic

Arctander Tag (paraphrased): "Very powerful, bitter-aromatic odor, reminiscent of cedarleaf and thuja, with a dry-herbal aftertone."