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Artemisia Annua in use

Annual mugwort: A remedy for fever and colds

Annual mugwort (Artemisia annua) is a medicinal plant whose medicinal properties were known in China over 2000 years ago. However, this valuable plant was forgotten for a long time. It wasn't until the Vietnam War that Chinese physicians began searching for an effective cure for the dangerous fever disease malaria and came across ancient texts mentioning annual mugwort.

Annual mugwort: Artemisinin in the fight against malaria and cancer

Laboratory tests have confirmed the suspicion that Artemisia annua is an effective treatment for malaria. The active ingredient artemisinin was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2002. For her extensive research on this compound, Chinese pharmacologist Tu Youyou received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2015.

Artemisinin's effectiveness is based on its reaction with iron, which is present in high concentrations in malaria parasites. Upon contact with iron, a chemical reaction occurs that leads to the formation of free radicals. These radicals are crucial in the fight against the pathogens, as they attack cell membranes and destroy the malaria parasites. Cancer cells also require a lot of iron. When artemisinin is administered, a reaction similar to that seen in malaria occurs. The oxygen radicals produced can inhibit the growth of cancer cells or even kill them.

Use of annual mugwort

Annual mugwort is a proven remedy for malaria and is being researched for its potential use in cancer therapy. It can also be helpful for fever and colds. To reduce fever, we recommend making a tea from annual mugwort. Simply pour 2 teaspoons of the dried herb into a cup of hot water (approx. 80°C), cover, and let it steep for 15 minutes. Then strain and enjoy in small sips. Alternatively, organic Artemisia and Artemisa + DMSO extract can also be used to boost the immune system.

Always consult your treating physician when using alternative plants in combination with other therapies.