wormwood
A bitter, aromatic herb used in flavoring
ABSINTHE, some wines such as
VERMOUTH, and occasionally (but not in the United States) in cooking. In the past, wormwood was popular as a medicinal herb for colds, stomach problems and rheumatism. Because the flavoring oil extracted from this herb is potentially poisonous, the United States has banned preparations (such as
ABSINTHE) made with an excessive amount of it. See also
HERBS.
© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc. 1995 based on THE FOOD LOVER'S
COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
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