Expert: Paul Wagner - 4/16/2004

Question
what are the effects of ABSINTHE the alcholic drink which contains wormwood that is illegal in the US

Answer
Dear Joe:

Absinthe used to contain high levels of wormwood, and the stuff had quite a negative health impact.  But more recent research has shown two things:

1.  Most absinthe doesn't need that kind of wormwood...so they started making it with lower concentrations.

2.  The negative effects seem to have as much to do with the amount of alcohol in the absinthe...and the fact that old time absinthe drinkers used to be alcoholics.  No wonder their health was miserable.

You can now buy versions of absinthe in the US...I Like the one called ABSENTHE.  Quite good, and quite safe...at least if you don't drink a bottle a day!

Paul Wagner