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Absinthe and the Green Fairy


I don't drink alcohol because according to my doctor it may induce a seizure. Several years ago I had a major seizure while I was asleep. I was rushed to the hospital and started on medication.  After several minor blanking out episodes my medications were adjusted.  Now I'm OK.
Sometimes I wonder if I should try a small drink.  Now I drink alcohol-free beer. I like O'Doul's with the green label. I've had one small glass of sangria without any problem.

I saw a documentary on Netflix about the history of absinthe.  I didn't know the drink was banned until about 2008!



"A potent green aniseed-flavored liqueur 
that turns milky when water is added.
 Prepared from wormwood, 
it is now largely banned because of its toxicity."




It's a very strange drink. I'm sure the combination of herbs has something to do with its effects. It can't just be the alcohol!

Watch the Netflix film.  It's very good.

Here is a short history (much shorter than the one you can find on Netflix):



Below is a video demonstrating the ceremony involved when drinking absinthe:


From Wiki:

The debate over whether absinthe produces effects on the human mind in addition to those of alcohol has not been conclusively resolved.
...some of the herbal compounds in the drink act as stimulants, while others act as sedatives, creating an overall lucid effect of awakening.

The effects of absinthe have been described by some as mind opening. The most commonly reported experience is a 'clear-headed' feeling of inebriation — a form of 'lucid drunkenness'.

In the year 2007, almost 100 years after absinthe prohibition, the alcoholic spirit absinthe was once again legalized, but only those Absinthes, which contain less than 10mg of thujone.In the European union 35mg are legal
(Plants with high concentrations of thujone include white cedar, tansy, wormwood, and sage. Thujone is believed to be toxic to the brain and nervous system. It is likely to cause seizures when consumed in quantity or consumed regularly over a period of time. ...)

I wonder if a non-alcoholic version can be made, maybe from a combination of teas.


Comments

  1. Eu já sabia que o absinto era muito prejudicial à saúde, mas não pensei que fosse tanto...
    Sei que muita gente apanha muitas bebedeiras à sua conta! Basta alguns shots de absinto para se ficar KO.
    Quanto à mistura de chás...pode ser que alguém invente algo semelhante um dia xD

    (sorry for writting in portuguese, it was easier)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. (Eu estou feliz que você comentou.)
      Estou com medo de tomar um copo de absinto, mas curioso para saber como ela perfuma o quarto e como o sabor.
      Tenha um bom fim de semana!

      And's Comment:
      "I already knew that absinthe was very harmful to health, but thought it was not so much ...
      I know many many people picking drunkenness to your account! Just a few shots of absinthe to getting KO'd.
      As for the mix of teas ... can someone invents something similar one day xD"

      (I'm glad you commented.)
      I'm afraid to have a glass of absinthe but curious as to how it perfumes the room and how it tastes.
      Have a good weekend!

      Delete
  2. I get a strange sense that you are verging on the point of wanting to taste real alcohol again. I'm no expert but count the cost first, it may not be worth it after you suffered with seizures.

    I've heard of this drink that is highly toxic and seen it around in my travels but no desire to try it, just in case I lose my mind... You also provided some very interesting information about it though, so thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You're right. It would not be worth the risk for me. I'm just curious.
    Thanks for your concern.
    Have a good weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ich habe auch schon mal etwas darüber gelesen, und ich halte es für sehr gefährlich...

    Servus
    CL

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ich würde nie ein Glas trinken. Ich will nur den Duft riechen und schmecken einen Schluck. Ich bin nur neugierig.

    (I have ever read anything about it, and I think it is very dangerous ...)
    -CL
    I would never drink a glass. I only want to smell the fragrance and taste a sip. I'm only curious.
    -John M

    ReplyDelete

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