Home Entertaining Ideas - The Effects of Thujone, A Chemical Found in Absinthe Alcohol

When you look back into the history of absinthe, you will find many reports of violence, hallucinations, and just pure madness connected to the drinking of this strong liquor. It was often associated with artists, writers, and other bohemian types, some of which were quite famous. One story recounts the famous painter, Vincent van Gogh cutting his own ear off while under the influence of absinthe.

It was debated for many years whether or not the chemical thujone, which is found in wormwood, a key ingredient in making absinthe, was to blame for such extreme behavior. Many drinkers of absinthe have described a sort of double effect the liquor has on them. Not only is there the obvious intoxication due to a very high alcohol content, 140 proof on average, but also a second sort of clear headed high effect. There was a lot of controversy in the early 1900's around absinthe alcohol, so much so that is was finally banned in many countries around 1910. In particular there were a group of murders that were directly linked to the strong green liquor, and there were enough people that decided it had to be stopped.

In all the years of debating that thujone was actually the cause of crazy, violent behavior, it was never actually proven. Until recently that is. There was a study performed by UC Berkeley scientists in 2000 that revealed a neurotoxin called alpha-thujone. The researchers found that alpha-thujone acts on the part of the brain that is responsible for a form of epilepsy. That receptor in the brain has to do with regulating excitation and keeping neurons under control. As one researcher, Karin Hold put it, "Basically, alpha-thujone blocks the channel and allows the neurons to fire too easily."

This explains much of the bizarre and psychotic behavior reported and written about. This study shows that large quantities of absinthe alcohol would really disrupt the nervous system. Does this mean you shouldn't consume absinthe at all. Not necessarily. Most modern versions of the drink have very low amounts of alpha-thujone. The versions that were made with too much wormwood, and therefore alpha-thujone tended to be more common in the last century.

Nowadays, you can find the green drink more and more available since the Swiss, and a few other countries have lifted the ban. You can even buy home brew kits over the internet, but it's probably a good idea to be somewhat cautious seeing how the wrong mix can actually be harmful. There are many companies that are making high quality absinthe though, and if you use some common sense you should have no problem enjoying this legendary beverage.

Jeffrey Gilliam is an online marketer and writer who enjoys researching unique and interesting subjects. His latest project is all about http://www.absinthe-alcohol.org