Qing Hao, Sweet sagewort

Artemisia annua

Physical Characteristics

Artemisia annua is a ANNUAL growing to 3 m (9ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

S. E. Europe to W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment An essential oil in the leaves is used as a flavouring in spirits such as vermouth[269].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antiperiodic Antiseptic Carminative Digestive Febrifuge Malaria Miscellany Qing Ho, better known in the West as sweet wormwood, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. An aromatic anti-bacterial plant, recent research has shown that it destroys malarial parasites, lowers fevers and checks bleeding[238, 254, 279]. It is often used in the Tropics as an affordable and effective anti-malarial[254]. The leaves are antiperiodic, antiseptic, digestive, febrifuge[176, 178]. An infusion of the leaves is used internally to treat fevers, colds, diarrhoea etc[222, 254]. Externally, the leaves are poulticed onto nose bleeds, boils and abscesses[222, 238]. The leaves are harvested in the summer, before the plant comes into flower, and are dried for later use[254]. The plant contains artemisinin, this substance has proved to be a dramatically effective anti-malarial against multi-drug resistant Plasmodium spp[218, 238, 254, 269]. Clinical trials have shown it to be 90% effective and more successful than standard drugs[254]. In a trial of 2000 patients, all were cured of the disease[218]. The seeds are used in the treatment of flatulence, indigestion and night sweats[222].

Known Hazards

Skin contact with the plant can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people[222]. The pollen is extremely allergenic[269].