Botanical Name: Artemisia annua
Common Name:
- English: Sweet annie, Sweet sagewort, Annual mugwort or Annual wormwood
- Also, Know as: Artemisia annua, also known as sweet wormwood, sweet annie, sweet sagewort, annual mugwort or annual wormwood, Chinese wormwood, Artemisia annua
- Chinese: 黄花蒿; pinyin: huánghuāhāo, Quing Hao
Origin: China
Harvested: Wild
Parts Used: Leaves & stems
General Information:
Artemisia annua is an aromatic, herbaceous plant native of Asia, a species that stands out from the rest of its genre as an excellent and important source of clinically proven therapeutic compounds. Artemisia annua L. produces a range of complex terpenoids in its trichomes, amongst which artemisinin is of special interest for the treatment of a range of pathologies.
In addition, the plant produces other substances such as flavonoids (artemetin, chrysospleneti, chrysosplenos, crinilineol and eupatorin), phenolic acids, and coumarins, which increase the impact and efficiency of artemisinin via a phenomenon called pharmacodynamic synergy, as well as acting as an antioxidant and stimulating the immune system.
Artemisia annua is able to grow in a variety of habitats, including forested margins, semi-deserted slopes, saline, and rocky fields, and at an ample altitudinal range, meaning it is relatively easy to cultivate in many climates, from tropical regions to arid ones. Its life cycle is long, 7 to 8 months, which is when it reaches its maximum growth and flowers, also the point at which artemisinin reaches its greatest concentration in planta.
How to use:
Hot Infusion:
The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!
Tips:
- You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
- You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.
Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
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This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.