Sweet wormwood
Image: Kristian Peters -- <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Fabelfroh" title="User:Fabelfroh">Fabelfroh</a> 11:39, 16 September 2007 (UTC) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameSweet wormwood
Scientific NameArtemisia annua
Common NamesSweet wormwood, Sweet Annie, Annual Wormwood, Qinghao
Plant FamilyAsteraceae
Natural HabitatNative to temperate Asia, but widely naturalized in many parts of the world. It thrives in disturbed soils, roadsides, waste areas, and riverbanks, preferring full sun.
Parts Usedleaf,flower,whole_plant
Medicinal Actionsanti-inflammatory,antimicrobial,antioxidant
Traditional UsesTraditionally used in Chinese medicine (Qinghao) for treating fevers, particularly malaria, for over 2,000 years. It has also been used for digestive issues, parasitic infections, and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Active ConstituentsArtemisinin, Artemisinic acid, Camphor, Pinene
Preparation Methodsinfusion,decoction,powder,essential_oil
Contraindications & WarningsNot recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially those allergic to other Asteraceae plants. Potential interactions with certain medications, including those metabolized by the liver.
Cultivation NotesAn annual plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown from seed and is relatively easy to cultivate in temperate climates, often self-seeding.
Raritycommon
Description
An annual herbaceous plant growing up to 2 meters tall, characterized by its highly aromatic, finely dissected fern-like leaves. It produces numerous small, yellowish-green flower heads arranged in loose panicles, giving it a feathery appearance.
