Wormseed (Carpesium abrotanoides): The Traditional Antiparasitic

Wormseed — Carpesium abrotanoides — is a plant of the Asteraceae family native to East Asia, whose traditional application as an antiparasitic for intestinal worms gives it its common English name. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and East Asian folk medicine for intestinal parasites, digestive infections, and febrile conditions, Wormseed represents the broader class of antiparasitic herbs used across traditional medical systems globally before the advent of pharmaceutical anthelmintics.

At Herba Naturalle, Wormseed is listed in the comprehensive herb index as a specialist antiparasitic herb — requiring professional guidance for therapeutic use.

Active Compounds

Sesquiterpene lactones — carpesiolin and related compounds; with antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory activity
Flavonoids — quercetin and related compounds; anti-inflammatory
Essential oil — with antimicrobial and antiparasitic contribution

Clinical Applications

Intestinal Parasites

The primary traditional application — the sesquiterpene lactone content provides antiparasitic activity against various intestinal worms.

Digestive Antimicrobial

The sesquiterpene and volatile oil content provides general antimicrobial activity in the digestive tract — relevant in gut dysbiosis protocols alongside the Berberis Plus.