Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua): tradition, research and herbal tea

Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua L.) is one of the most frequently cited plants in Asian tradition, and one of the most studied by laboratories. Here is its history, what research can say (and what it cannot), and how to prepare sweet wormwood herbal tea.

A plant from Chinese tradition

Sweet wormwood belongs to the Asteraceae family. Native to the temperate regions of Asia, it now grows on several continents. In China it is known as qinghao: it appears in ancient texts, including that of the physician Ge Hong (4th century), who already described its preparation in cold water. Its dried aerial parts, with a distinctly bitter taste, are used.

Not to be confused with common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) or with absinthe wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): these are other species, with different uses.

Artemisinin and research

In 1972, the team of Chinese researcher Tu Youyou isolated a molecule from the plant, artemisinin. This work earned her the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2015, and purified artemisinin became the starting point for modern medicines. These medicines are isolated, precisely dosed molecules: a herbal tea or a whole-plant capsule is not their equivalent.

The plant also contains flavonoids and essential oils. These compounds are studied mainly in the laboratory (in vitro) and in animals. This work is research: it does not allow any effect of the herbal tea in humans to be claimed. A food supplement does not treat, cure or prevent any disease.

How to prepare sweet wormwood herbal tea

• Dose: 1 tea bag per cup.
• Water: hot but not boiling, about 80 °C.
• Steeping: 5 to 10 minutes.
• How many a day: 1 to 2 cups, ideally between meals.
• How long a pack lasts: 60 days at 1 cup a day, 30 days at 2 cups. The set of 3 packs (180 tea bags) lasts 3 to 6 months.

The time of day matters to many people: read our guide When to drink sweet wormwood?

Herbal tea, capsules or extract: which form to choose?

• Herbal tea: the ritual of a hot drink, intake spread over the day, with the plant's bitterness clearly present.
• Capsules: the pure sweet wormwood capsules provide 500 mg of plant per capsule, tasteless and easy to carry. For the dose, see how many sweet wormwood capsules to take.
• Liquid extract: the pure 500 ml liquid extract, for those who prefer a form to dilute.

Precautions for use

Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or for children. If you are on medical treatment or have a health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting: some plants can interact with medicines. Do not exceed the stated amount. A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of Artemisia annua?

Sweet wormwood has a long history of traditional use, notably as a bitter herb, and its compounds are widely studied in the laboratory. But to date no robust human study has shown a specific benefit of the herbal tea. Be wary of promises of a cure.

Does the herbal tea contain artemisinin?

The leaves contain it naturally, in small amounts that vary with the harvest. The herbal tea is not a medicine and does not replace any treatment.

Are sweet wormwood and common mugwort the same plant?

No. Sweet wormwood is Artemisia annua; common mugwort is Artemisia vulgaris. Our products contain only Artemisia annua.

Can it be drunk every day?

The recommended preparation is 1 to 2 cups a day. Many people take it in courses of a few weeks, with breaks. If in doubt, ask a healthcare professional for advice.

Customer reviews

See all our products in the Artemisia collection. Also worth reading: Artemisia annua and digestion: uses, intake and precautions.

Food supplement. This article is provided for information purposes and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.