Re: Absinthe experiment
From: grnwave@netcom.com (Lilith) 
Date: 1995/12/06
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organization: GreenWave MoonTribe
newsgroups: rec.drugs.psychedelic

From the book, Magical and Ritual Use of Herbs by Richard Alan Miller in 
the chapter on Wormwood:

Chemistry

Asinthine (a dimeric guaranolide) is the principal agent; anabsinthin and 
thujone (a volatile oil) are also present.  Absinthine is listed as a 
narcotic analgesic in the same group as codein and dextromethorphan 
hydrobromide (romilar).

Primary Effects

Narcotic and analgesic.  It depresses the central medullary part of the 
brain, the area concerned with pain and anxiety.

Preparation

The herb is either smoked or prepared as a liqueur.  The absinthine can 
be extracted with alcohol or water.

Ritual Use

An excellent liqueur can be made by taking 1 ounce of wormwood 
(preferably the flowers) and putting it into 1 pint of brandy.  Let stand 
for six weeks.  The resultant tincture is then combined with Perno or 
anisette to make the classic absinthe.

This is excellent for an after-dinner liqueur, or after a ritual where 
everyone is emotionally tired.

Note of Caution:  Excessive long-term use of liqueur may be habit-forming 
and debilitating.  Ingestion of the above volatile oils as a tincture may 
cause gasrointestinal disturbances and convulsions due to the substance 
thujone contained in it.

---------------------------

My personal experience with it:  I extracted wormwood in vodka with anise 
seeds.  Tasted horrible, even in a tea with a lot of honey and lemon.  
A small quantity gave me a pleasant, mellow intoxication.  Not 
interesting enough to try repeatedly, though.

Peace.

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