Sweet wormwood is a commonly used name for Artemisia annua, which belongs to the Daisy species of plants.

The plant is native to China, but today is grown around the world from Australia to the United States, and throughout Western and Eastern Europe. The most common uses for Sweet Wormwood include treatment of fevers and malaria.

It has recently been touted for anti-cancer effects and is also used as a natural component of many Lyme Disease treatment protocols. This herb is said to boost the immune system and it exhibits ant-parasitic effects.

Historically, the herb was used to support immune function with some of the earliest records of its use dating back to China over 2,000 years ago.

Sweet Wormwood Benefits

A number of components in Sweet Wormwood are believed to provide health benefits for the relief of fevers and for anti-malarial treatment protocols.

The main active compound found in Sweet Wormwood is artemisinin. Additional derivatives of artemisinin are believed to contribute to its positive effects for the reduction of internal parasitic afflictions.

The components of this plant are believed to create inhospitable environments in the body for parasites which spread Malaria. The compound is also used as a preventative measure for individuals travelling to Malaria-affected areas.

Historically, a number of countries located in tropical regions around the world used Sweet Wormwood as an anti-parasitic agent. The herb is relatively common in tropical areas where malarial fever is more prevalent.

The effectiveness of the plant in treating malaria is now scientifically validated; several drugs have been developed for this condition which utilize artemisinin and its derivatives. Artemisinin-Combination Therapy is one popular form of medication that is designed to prevent drug resistance that can occur with other treatments.

Sweet Wormwood also has a history of being used to treat a variety of liver conditions that include jaundice and hepatitis. In Chinese medicine, it was believed to help increase function of the immune system as well.

Other common uses for Sweet Wormwood include its use in relieving the swelling and inflammation associated with arthritis, against food poisoning, and even in the treatment of the common cold or flu.

It should be noted, that there is a difference between Sweet Wormwood and regular Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). Consumers are cautioned to know the difference when shopping online.

Artemisinin in Sweet Wormwood Extract

Artemisinin and its derivatives, are believed to enhance activity against cytotoxicity of bacterial, fungal, and cancer cells. The effects of artemisinin include inhibiting cytochrome enzymes.

Over 50 of these enzymes have been identified and they may influence a person’s bodily responses to beta-blockers and antidepressants.

Approximately six of these enzymes are responsible for metabolizing drugs, so do discuss use of Sweet Wormwood in cases where prescription medications are being used concurrently.

Artemisinin is known as a sesquiterpene lactone. This is defined as a chemical component found in certain plants, including lettuce and spinach, which gives them their bitter taste. These components contains structures believed to be linked to anti-microbial, anti-tumor, and cytotoxic activities.

Sweet Wormwood Side Effects

A number of side effects, interaction warnings, and dosage cautions come with use of Sweet Wormwood in its many forms. While Sweet Wormwood is relatively safe when taken orally, other forms of wormwood that contain high amouts of a compound called thujone are considered not safe.

Thujone may cause a number of unpleasant side effects that include but are not limited to stomach cramps, dizziness, vomiting, restlessness, and thirst. Some of the more serious side effects to thujone include breakdown of muscle tissues, seizures, urine retention, and numbness in the arms and legs.

Pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid use of sweet wormwood as well as other herbal remedies or treatments unless they have been explicitly approved by their doctor.

In addition, anyone who is allergic to certain flowers or grasses including marigolds, daisies, ragweed, or chrysanthemums, are cautioned to avoid use of Sweet Wormwood. Individuals diagnosed with kidney problems or disorders should avoid this plant, as it may trigger kidney failure.

The same is true for any type of seizure disorder including epilepsy. For this reason, Sweet Wormwood supplements in any form should be avoided when taking prescription medications that include anti-convulsants for seizures such as Tegretol, Delantin, Neurontin, and Depakene.

It can be difficult to determine appropriate dosages of Sweet Wormwood. Numerous factors are taken into consideration for use, such as age, overall health and wellness, conditions, as well as manufacturer or brand. Consult a doctor, herbalist, or naturopath when it comes to dosage, safety, and efficacy of herbal products like Sweet Wormwood.

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Article last updated on:by Nootriment