Absinthe: Myths and Reality

What is absinthe?

Absinthe is a strong liqueur containing 85% ethanol and infused with a variety of herbs, the most common of which are wormwood and Roman wormwood. The chlorophyll in the herbs gives the drink its green color, while the wormwood imparts a bitter taste. To counteract the bitterness, absinthe is usually diluted with water and sugar, giving it a cloudy white color.

The origins and stories of absinthe

The origins of absinthe are still debated. Although it was most popular in the late 1800s, it was invented much earlier. There is evidence of its existence as early as the 1750s. However, absinthe's main ingredients—wormwood and ethanol—were known to humanity thousands of years before these dates. Perhaps the drink was invented a long time ago, then forgotten, then rediscovered, and so on.

The word "absinthe" is of French origin. In the late 19th century, the drink was particularly popular. It was served in cafes for just 3-10 cents, depending on the wallet of the patrons. Cheap establishments, of course, sold counterfeits, which were given a green color using copper and other ingredients.

Today, the drink is still popular among writers and artists. This is because it induces certain mental confusion, as well as effects such as euphoria, hallucinations, and pain relief. Artists and writers often lack the imagination to create new images, which is precisely what absinthe can provide.

Ingredients and their effects

Absinthe is made up primarily of a chemical called ethanol. It can make up between 60 and 85% of the drink. It's what produces the euphoric sensation and has a strong pain-relieving effect. It also causes some psychological side effects.

Two types of wormwood are typically used in the production of the drink. Wormwood was originally used by ancient healers as an antiparasitic remedy, used to get rid of worms and other parasites. And it was indeed quite effective. Its roots contain toxic substances that suppress the activity of parasites. Consuming too much wormwood can also cause poisoning. However, this has not yet been definitively proven. It is believed that those who drink too much absinthe can develop absinthism—a condition characterized by epileptic seizures, delirium, hallucinations, and general confusion. It is known that thujone, a substance once used to poison mice, can accumulate in the body and cause similar symptoms. This substance is found in wormwood. Van Gogh's and other artists' ailments were most likely caused by excessive absinthe consumption and its associated side effects, rather than mental illness.

In addition to wormwood, absinthe also contains calamus and nutmeg. These two ingredients, when consumed in large quantities, can also cause hallucinations.

Absinthe and the Law

Absinthe was banned in the United States in 1912, and somewhat later in Europe. However, it was later re-authorized in France and Spain. The legality of its sale and consumption is still debated. Some argue that due to various bans, absinthe is now produced in a lower concentration than it once was, making it completely safe for the psyche. Research into its components and their effects on the human body has not yet been conducted, so it is difficult to make any definitive statements.

In conclusion

Due to the unknown nature of the production processes, it's impossible to say how powerful absinthe's psychological effects were when it was real. It's unknown what caused so many extreme reactions after drinking it—perhaps it was a reaction to substances such as copper sulfate, turmeric, and green aniline, used in an attempt to give the drink its characteristic green color. This question still requires further study.