It is not easy to believe on so many contradictory Absinthe informations.
Misleading Absinthe Information
One book “Absinthe The Cocaine of the 19th Century: A History of the Hallucinogenic Drug and its Effect on Artists and Writersin Europe and the United States” by Doris Lanier, compares Absinthe to drugs such as cocaine because it was said to be addictive, to give a sense of euphoria, have psychedelic effects and weaken the brain and other faculties.
Absinthe became popular at the end of the 19th century and early 20th century, a time known as “The Great Binge”. This was a time when numerous of today’s unauthorized drugs such as crack cocaine, morphine and heroin were developed and used by people for medicine, on prescription for coughs etc. Also in drinks. Bars used to sell Absinthe, Vin Maraiani and Coca Cola. These drugs and drinks were used widely in the whole Europe.
Due to it’s popularity with Bohemian artists and writers and with the courtesans of the Moulin Rouge and Montmartre Absinthe was linked with these drugs.
Wormwood contains thujone which was thought to be psychoactive and alike THC in the drug cannabis. Both THC and Thujone are terpenoids found in the essential oils but THC is harmful for the central nervous system and thujone for the GABA receptors in the brain. The effects of wormwood is similar to cannabis intoxication when smoked as a joint or consumed in large amount.
In the beginning of 1900s Absinthe was banned along with some drugs in many countries around the world. Everyone knows that it was banned due to madness of the time. Most of the people and websites are there today who mention Absinthe in the same sentence as magic mushrooms, LSD, weed, cannabis and ecstasy.
Absinthe Information – What we now know
We know that medical studies on Absintheand wormwood in the past were not accurate and were “colored” by the prohibition movement of the time and the worry that Absinthe was a drug. Absinthe contains very small amounts of thujone after it is distilled which is insufficient to cause any harmful side effects or hallucinations. The tests on vintage pre ban Absinthe showed that it barely contained any thujone. Alcohol poisoning can kill a person long before he suffers from the side effects of thujone.
As many countries has authorized Absinthe so it can now be drunk anywhere across the world.
Because of it’s high proof one has no problem to get drunk on Absinthe. It has twice the alcohol content of spirits such as vodka or whisky so care should be taken when drinking it. The alcoholism experienced by Absinthe is far different from other spirits or fermented beverages. This type of drunkenness is explained as a “lucid” or “clear headed”. This can be understood with the help of a solution of sedatives and stimulants. These qualities are also enhanced by preparing cocktails containing Absinthe and the caffeine loaded drink!
A person can be disappointed with some of the confusing Absinthe information. This herbal alcoholic drink can be prepared with enjoyment. One can get real, top-quality Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com to prepare his own wormwood Absinthe at home.It is a fun and economical way to enjoy Absinthe on this site.
