Drugs on the Internet,Part V: Absinthe,Return of the Emerald Mask

Absinthe, a famous liquor of the 19th century, has become immensely popular with its return to legality and mass marketing and drug culture enhancement of its purported unique effects. The electronic world of the Internet has greatly expedited the extent and depth of societal knowledge about the allure of the green fairy, absinthe. An extensive number of websites exists, representing 22 categories of topics about or using the word absinthe. Recent research has dispelled many myths about absinthe and its effects, yet beliefs about its magical powers persist, thus maintaining its reputation as an extraordinary experience within a bohemian lifestyle.     

Berufliche Beifuß‐Allergie

Background: Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) has traditionally been used as a spice, vegetable and as a herbal medicine. The main representatives of the Artemisia family besides Artemisia vulgaris include Artemisia absinthum and Artemisia dracunculus (estragon). Mugwort pollen allergens are important in triggering late summer and fall pollinosis; in addition cross reactivity occurs between Artemisia vulgaris pollen allergens and celery, carrottes and certain spices belonging to the family of Umbelliferae. Patients: A florist with a pre‐existing sunflower allergy developed a life‐threatening glottal edema after occupational contact with mugwort. She did not suffer from an oral allergy syndrome towards mugwort pollen cross allergens. Results: Skin testing (prick and scratch testing) revealed a strong sensitisation against mugwort and estragon. Specific IgE antibodies against mugwort, sunflower, carrots, celery, fennel and anis were elevated in the peripheral blood. Conclusions: The observation of a severe mugwort allergy with life‐threatening complications in a florist underscores the high allergenic potential of Artemisia vulgaris and documents for the first time the occupational significance of this allergy.