In the past, it was sometimes used in place of hops in the manufacture of beer. The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental. Folk remedies call for the employment of wormwood against colds, rheumatism, fevers, jaundice, diabetes, and arthritis. Regular use of wormwood can become addicting. The plant contains glycoside, known to be poisonous, and the volatile oil is a central nervous system depressant.
Wormwood is known to be allergonic and can cause contact dermatitis.
The plant is recognized as a moth and insect repellent. Artemisia cina , levant wormseed, and Artemisia maritime contain santonin, an effective compound against round worms. Artemisia pontica L., an erect, gray perennial that reaches a height of 1 meter, is native to southeastern Europe and naturalized in eastern parts of North America. This plant has been used in the manufacture of vermouth and as a medicinal plant against colds and as a bitter stomachic. Artemisia annua L., sweet wormwood, is a native of eastern Europe that has sweet aromatic leaves and reaches a height of 2 to 3 meters.