Sweet Wormwood extract (Artemisia annua) is commonly used to prevent the contraction of Malaria and to support immune system functioning. It may also offer benefits for the treatment of cancer, relief from certain viral, fungal and bacterial infections, anti-oxidant effects, mood enhancement and more.

Sweet wormwood supplements, tinctures and teas are made from the leaves, seeds, stems, flowers or roots of the plant. They contain artemisinin, an active chemical compound that has several health boosting effects. References to the medicinal uses of Sweet Wormwood extract date back nearly 2,000 years to the Hunan Province in China.

How is Sweet Wormwood Extract Used?

Sweet Wormwood has been utilized for thousands of years in traditional folk medicine, most commonly in the treatment of fevers and malaria.

It was not until 1972 that Artemisinin was isolated from the plant and shown to possess a number of anti-viral properties.

This derivative has also shown beneficial results in the eradication of parasites related to malaria. It is often taken as a preventative supplement by individual travelling to tropical regions.

The phytochemical ingredients in Sweet Wormwood can be found in the stems, leaves, seeds and flowers of the plant. Highest concentrations are found in the upper-most leaves of the plant. Some extracts may be advertised as possessing greater potency by only using the top-most leaves of the plant.

Sweet Wormwood can also be prepared as an essential oil. The oil made from the plant contains camphor, which is believed to stimulate the central nervous system.

It is important to distinguish between Sweet Wormwood and Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). While they belong to the same family, they contain different components and have distinct effects and side effects.

Benefits of Sweet Wormwood Supplements

Sweet Wormwood extracts are being researched for use in cancer treatments. To date, studies have found that artemisinin may be able promote apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells, without harming healthy cells. Normally, this compound acts as an anti-oxidant, but in certain situations it can have the opposite effects.

When artemisinin comes into contact with the element iron, it generates free radical particles. In large amounts, free radicles destroy cellular structures and cause apoptosis.

Cancer cells often contain extremely high levels of iron required for their DNA synthesis. Studies show that artemisinin can stop the progression of cancer and inhibit tumor growth. However, to date, no long-term clinical trials have demonstrated definitive results for the use of Sweet Wormwood extract in cancer eradication.

Artemisinin is made up of derivatives that include artemether, artemotil, artesunate, among others. Additional semi-synthetic derivatives are also being evaluated and used in anti-malarial drug development. Numerous countries around the world utilize artemisinin in their combination therapies for treating malarial fevers. It is also a component of some natural Lyme Disease protocols.

Growing Sweet Wormwood Plants

It is common to grow medicinal at home and Sweet Wormwood is popular among many gardeners.

The plant, commonly known as Sweet Annie because of its sweet smell and silver foliage, is relatively easy to grow for decorative reasons.

Foliage is generally cut and dried by hanging in small bundles upside down in a well-ventilated and darkened area for approximately two to three weeks.

When cultivating seeds, the plant is cut at ground level and the foliage placed in a paper bag. After the leaves have dried, gently shaking the paper bag will loosen the seeds.

It is possible to grow Sweet Wormwood at home to make teas or tinctures utilizing pressed extracts, seeds, and leaves. Ethanol extracts can be prepared by soaking the plant in an alcohol solution for several weeks. These liquid tinctures have been used as home remedies for some gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or loss of appetite.

However, it can take a long time for the plant to grow before high levels of artemisinin and other active chemicals are present. Due to concerns regarding standardization of extract concentrations and subsequent dosage guidelines, your doctor might not recommend growing your own plant to derive Sweet Wormwood extract.

Is Sweet Wormwood Extract Safe?

When used according to label instructions, the herb is considered safe. Because of its properties, some contraindications are present in regard to usage. For example, diabetics or patients taking anti-diabetic drugs or other agents should not use Sweet Wormwood extract or any other form of the plant, as it may lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels.

Individuals with heart arrhythmias or other cardiac issues should avoid use of Sweet Wormwood, especially those that contain the components artemether and/or artesenate. This supplement may prolong QT intervals in heart rhythm. Adverse risks increase when combined with already prescribed heart medications designed to treat arrhythmias.

Avoid grapefruit juice, as it may increase bioavailability of artemether, which can lead to side effects. Some of the more commonly reported side effects or complaints regarding use of Sweet Wormwood include but are not limited to cramping or abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, as well as a vomiting.

Always refer to a physician or healthcare practitioner in regard to use and dosages of herbal remedies and products including Sweet Wormwood extract powder.

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Article last updated on:by Nootriment