Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) is an herb that is native to Asia and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is also known as Qinghao or Artemisia. Sweet wormwood is best known as the source of artemisinin, a powerful anti-malarial drug.
In addition to its anti-malarial properties, sweet wormwood has been studied for its potential anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. It is also sometimes used to treat other conditions, such as fever, digestive problems, and respiratory infections.
 
Benefits:
Anti-malarial properties: Sweet wormwood is best known for its anti-malarial properties. The plant produces a compound called artemisinin, which is effective at killing the malaria parasite. This has led to the development of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) that are now the standard treatment for malaria in many parts of the world.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Sweet wormwood has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is a key contributor to many chronic diseases, and reducing inflammation in the body may help to improve overall health. Sweet wormwood has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules and may have a protective effect against conditions such as arthritis.
Potential anti-cancer effects: Some studies have suggested that sweet wormwood and its compounds may have anti-cancer properties. It has been shown to induce cell death in cancer cells and inhibit the growth of tumors in animal studies. However, more research is needed to determine whether these effects translate to humans and how they can be used in cancer treatment.
 
Contradictions:
Sweet wormwood is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fevers and inflammatory conditions, but it is also believed to have a cooling effect on the body.
While sweet wormwood is commonly used to treat malaria, it has also been found to have antifungal and antibacterial properties, which are not typically associated with malaria treatment.
Sweet wormwood is sometimes used to treat liver diseases, but high doses of the plant have been found to be toxic to the liver.
Although sweet wormwood has been shown to have anti-cancer properties, it can also have a pro-cancer effect in certain situations, particularly when it is used in combination with other medications.
 
Tastes Like:
Sweet wormwood, also known as Artemisia annua, has a bitter and slightly astringent taste. The leaves of the plant have a strong and pungent aroma, with a scent that is often described as being similar to sage or camphor. The flavor of sweet wormwood is not typically consumed on its own, as the plant is primarily used for medicinal purposes.
 
Preparation:
Sweet wormwood is typically consumed in the form of a tea, which is made by steeping the dried leaves of the plant in hot water. It can also be taken in the form of a capsule or extract. However, it's important to note that sweet wormwood and artemisinin should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as improper use can have serious side effects.