Afsanteen — wormwood, Artemisia absinthium — is the herb Unani physicians reach for when the liver needs cooling rather than coaxing. Its bitterness is unapologetic, and that is precisely its virtue. Laraib prepares the syrup from whole dried wormwood tops, sweetened just enough to be drinkable, so the herb’s character survives the bottle instead of being buried under sugar.
What it is traditionally used for
- Taken as a herbal anti-inflammatory against inflammation of the liver
- Long used in Unani practice for complaints and inflammation of the spleen
- Given as a bitter tonic when digestion feels heavy, dull or slow
- Kept through the change of seasons to support the liver’s daily work
- Used after a stretch of rich, oily food, in the old household manner
How it is made
Wormwood is sourced whole and single-origin from highland growers, then steeped and simmered as a slow decoction so the bitter principles pass into the liquid without being scorched. The decoction is strained, reduced and brought to syrup consistency over gentle heat. No artificial colour, flavour or preservative goes into the bottle.
How to take it
Take 2 tablespoons — about 30 ml — in half a glass of plain water, twice a day after meals. Children over twelve should take half that measure. It is a genuine bitter, so most people find it easier taken quickly and followed by plain water rather than sipped slowly.
Good to know
- Available in 240 ml and 800 ml bottles
- DRAP registered, Product Ent. No. 0803812135
- Prepared to Pakistan Tibbi Pharmacopoeia standards, 100% natural
- Refrigerate once opened and finish within eight weeks
Asif Hashmi (verified owner) –
Bought the 800 ml for value. Good strong preparation and the registration number is printed clearly on the label, which I appreciate. Delivery to Peshawar took a week, a little slower than I expected.
Asif Nawaz (verified owner) –
The syrup itself seems genuine and the bottle arrived well packed in Sargodha. But I will be honest, the taste is very hard for me. I manage it with water afterwards. Doing its job, just not something I look forward to.
Aiman Nasir (verified owner) –
My hakeem in Lahore has prescribed afsanteen for years and this is the cleanest version I have found. Properly bitter, not watered down with syrup. I take it after dinner and my stomach feels lighter by morning.