Absinthe Absence ends!
Absinthe has made a comeback recently. Many countries banned absinthe in early 1900’s, claiming it was toxic. During that period, absinthe came under a cloud of suspicion. Many unsubstantiated claims were made on absinthe. Now, a fresh look at absinthe’s effects has revealed a large number of the claims and was instrumental in having the ban revoked.
Old perceptions on absinthe
After an absence of nearly 100 years the ban on absinthe was uplifted recently. It again came to be seen sporting the shelves of bars and restaurants across the world. This was a victory for the drink. Many felt that the ban on the drink was unjustified and arbitrary.
The drink was banned because it produced various side effects on the body. After drinking people claimed that it gave them hallucinations. It was said to cause hysteria. The drink was claimed to give one epilepsy. It even was thought to cause gradual decay of the body which you could pass on to your offspring through your genes.
But circumstances were such that allegations came thick and fast. The drink was banned without any serious research into all these claims. The European Union lifted the ban after it was seen that the ban was irrelevant.
Thujone was named to be the culprit in the drink which caused all the negative side effects. But actually in true absinthe, very little amount of thujone or the other alleged toxic ingredient, wormwood. In fact, it contains less of either than the popular German drink, Vermouth. Vermouth contains large quantities of wormwood. It was never banned or seen as dangerous. Vermouth, incidentally means wormwood in German language.
What you can expect from the drink
Absinthe contains a large quantity of alcohol content. It contains more alcohol than any of your average alcohol drink. Usually the alcohol content is more than 65%, which is high by normal standards. This is the reason why small quantities of the drink is sufficient to feel tipsy.
Effects of the drink, however may be felt as slightly different from other alcoholic beverages. The herbal nature of the drink is to be behind this difference. Absinthe is made from herbs like wormwood, anise, fennel and hyssop. Commonly, the drink is said to give one a sort of clarity in thought in spite of making one inebriated.
Some people are very charmed with these effects and get addicted to Absinthe. But, all said and done, absinthe still does possesses Thujone as well as wormwood, which if taken in excess do cause harm to the body. Exercising discipline is of utmost importance if you are experimenting with absinthe.