Latin name: Artemisia annua
Chinese name: qing hao
Other names: annual wormwood, sweet Annie, sweet sagewort
What is Sweet Wormwood?
Sweet wormwood is a fern-like shrub that grows throughout the world, but occurs naturally in China. It had a history of being used by Chinese herbalists to treat fever, but it was rediscovered in the 1970s for its anti-malarial properties and other uses. There has been, however, a point of contention regarding its efficacy in being used in this way. Sweet wormwood is used as a delicacy in China when serving salads and the essential oil from the plant’s leaves is used as a flavoring in spirits.
What are the health benefits of Sweet Wormwood?
There have been studies conducted that have shown sweet wormwood to be 90% effective for curing malaria, yet there are also voices of contention against these medicinal claims. Sweet wormwood is also used for its anticancer properties and specifically for treating breast cancer. It is also used for its antibacterial properties. Sweet wormwood is used for treating fevers, colds, diarrhea, dyspepsia, jaundice, scabies, tuberculosis, psoriasis, and inflammatory conditions such as gastritis. When applied externally, sweet wormwood is used to treat nose bleeds, boils, and abscesses.
Where can I find Sweet Wormwood?
Sweet wormwood can be found online, at Asian markets, and in the offices of Chinese medical practitioners.
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