Many cultures across the world have turned to Artemisia species for centuries to treat common and serious illnesses alike.
I use these herbs regularly in my practice to support the body’s natural healing process. ARTEMISIA AFRA (Wildeals) & ARTEMISIA ANNUA (Wormwood)
Artemisia Afra
- “Wilde als word al vir eeue deur die inheemse bevolking van Suider Afrika gebruik vir medisinale doeleindes”
- “Wilde als het ‘n antiseptiese, antiwurm en narkotiese werking en word gebruik om pyn en koors, wurms, hardlywigheid, hoes, keelseer, griep en geelsug te behandel.”
(ROBERTS, MARGARET. 2000. Alles oor Kruie. Struik Uitgewers. Kaapstad.)
- “Wildeals’ is one of the most widely used traditional medicines in South Africa. Numerous ailments are treated with it – mainly coughs, colds and influenza – but also fever, loss of appetite, colic, headache, earache, malaria and intestinal worms, amongst others.”
(VAN WYK, B.,VAN OUTSHOORN, B. & GERICKE, N. 2009. Medicinal Plants of South Africa. Briza publications. Pretoria.)
Qing Hao, Artemisia annua, Chinese Wormwood
- “Research has now vindicated this traditional use, revealing that qing hao prevents and cures malaria and is relatively free from side effects.”
- “Chinese research Qing hau was extensively researched in China in the 1980s, and studies have demonstrated that its key active constituent is an effective antimalarial, having a powerful action against the malaria parasite Plasmodium, a protozoan introduced into the body by the mosquito. Artemisinin. The compound artemisinin, and to some extent the herb, has marked antiparasitic and antibacterial activity. Clinical trials show that it can provide vital treatment in the acute stages of malaria, proving up to 90% effective in countering the infection.”
- “The first mention of Qing Quo was in a Chinese text of 168 BC.”
(CHEVALLIER, A. FNIMH. 2000. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Dorling Kindersley. United States.)
Conclusion
Many cultures across the world have turned to Artemisia species for centuries to treat common and serious illnesses alike. In summary, Artemisia afra and Artemisia annua are powerful medicinal herbs. They show how traditional knowledge and modern science can work together.
Artemisia afra—commonly known as wildeals—has been used for centuries in Southern Africa. It helps with colds, flu, fever, sore throats, and digestive problems. In contrast, Artemisia annua, also called Chinese wormwood, became well-known for its ability to treat malaria. Modern research confirmed it.
Both plants have antimicrobial, antiseptic, and immune-boosting effects. They are useful for both preventing and treating infections. In fact, studies show that Artemisia annua is up to 90% effective in the treatment of malaria.
I use these herbs regularly in my practice to support the body’s natural healing process. From personal experience in my practice since 2006, I (Karen) have seen excellent results using Artemisia. It works well for colds, flu, sore throats, and ear infections. I have also used it to help support the immune system during times of illness.
These herbs are gentle yet effective. They offer natural solutions without the side effects of many synthetic medicines.
In conclusion, Artemisia afra and Artemisia annua are rooted in history, but they remain highly relevant today. They remind us that nature still provides some of the best tools for healing.
