Is Sweet Wormwood Edible? A Natural Remedy—But Can You Eat It?

Sweet wormwood, scientifically known as Artemisia annua, has long been recognized for its powerful role in supporting malaria treatment and digestive health. But is that its only benefit? More and more people are curious: can it be consumed safely as food? This article will provide the answer.

Sweet Wormwood: A Historical and Traditional Perspective

Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to reduce fever and for more than 1,000 years to treat malaria.

Dating back more than two millennia, sweet wormwood has played a crucial role in traditional Chinese medicine as a fever-reducing and healing herb. The name "Qinghao" – meaning "green herb" – is associated with simple yet effective decoctions. Its history was recorded in the 52 Prescriptions for Diseases, an ancient medical text discovered in the Mawangdui tomb in 1973.

It wasn’t until 1972 that modern scientists uncovered the secret hidden within this plant—artemisinin, a compound that has saved millions of lives from malaria. Artemisinin became the cornerstone of global malaria treatment and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of combination therapies [1].

See how sweet wormwood differs from wormwood here.

However, malaria parasites are not easily defeated. Early signs of drug resistance have emerged, pushing WHO and global health programs to find ways to protect the legacy of this small but powerful herb.

According to Dr. Eric Berg, extracts from this plant may help eliminate pinworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and even malaria parasites.*

Beyond its antiparasitic properties, wormwood has traditionally been used to support digestive wellness and overall gastrointestinal comfort*

However, this is not an herb to be used casually. One of its key compounds, thujone, can be toxic in high doses and may even cause hallucinations. Because of this, pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with epilepsy should avoid it.*

Dr. Berg also emphasizes that wormwood should not be taken for extended periods. If you want to try it, limit usage to a maximum of four weeks and consult a healthcare professional beforehand.*

Sweet Wormwood: Unpacking the Science – Active Compounds and Their Effects

Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) is more than a traditional remedy—it is a subject of extensive scientific investigation. Among its many natural constituents, artemisinin stands out as the most prominent compound, credited with transforming the global fight against malaria.

According to publications from Drugs.com and the World Health Organization (WHO), artemisinin and its derivatives—dihydroartemisinin, artesunate, artemether, and arteether—exert potent antiparasitic effects through a unique peroxide bridge in their molecular structure. These compounds form the foundation of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), the gold standard in malaria treatment worldwide [1].

In addition to artemisinin, researchers have identified over 20 bioactive compounds within the plant’s essential oil, including cineole, linalool, camphor, and flavonoids such as casticin and chrysoplenetin. Notably, certain flavonoids have been found to enhance the antimalarial activity of artemisinin, while also providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits [1][2].

Emerging studies suggest that artemisinin may also play a role in eye health. Research published in the International Journal of Ophthalmology indicates that artemisinin demonstrates neuroprotective, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial in managing ocular conditions such as uveitis, retinal degeneration, and choroidal neovascularization [3].

Beyond its antiparasitic and antioxidant properties, artemisinin is being explored for its potential applications in oncology, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases—underscoring its promise as a multipurpose phytochemical with a broad therapeutic horizon.

Today, Artemisia annua is available in various forms, including herbal teas, capsules, powders, and concentrated extracts. While tea infusions are generally regarded as safe for short-term use, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using high-potency supplements, particularly for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking prescription medications.

Is Sweet Wormwood Safe to Eat?

Returning to the main question: Can sweet wormwood be consumed directly?

The answer is not entirely straightforward. In traditional medicine, sweet wormwood is primarily used as a medicinal herb rather than a food ingredient. However, in some regions, it is brewed into tea or included in herbal remedies.

That said, consuming sweet wormwood requires caution. Large or prolonged doses can be toxic to the liver and digestive system. Some individuals may experience side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or allergic reactions.

Who Should Avoid Sweet Wormwood?

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Individuals with a history of allergies to the Asteraceae (daisy) family
• Those allergic to pollen, daisies, marigolds, or ragweed should be particularly cautious
• People with heart, liver, kidney, neurological, epileptic, or diabetic conditions should consult a doctor
• Individuals with stomach ulcers or digestive disorders should avoid it

Before using sweet wormwood, consult a doctor or a traditional medicine expert to ensure its safety. If you’re still curious about trying it, the next section provides practical guidelines.

If You Choose to Consume Sweet Wormwood: Considerations and Guidelines

First and foremost, sweet wormwood is not a substitute for prescribed medication and should not replace prescribed treatments.

Drinking Artemisia annua tea is generally considered safe. However, if you plan to take it in capsule or extract form, consult a doctor beforehand.

A common example of an herbal supplement that supports digestion is the combination of wormwood, black walnut, and clove—natural ingredients known for their benefits to the digestive system and their role in promoting the body’s natural detoxification process. This type of formula is often used to help balance gut microbiota and support the elimination of parasites.

Lisa Williams shared that after about a month of consistent use, she experienced noticeable improvements. She had previously tried several other natural methods without success. By the third week, her digestion began to function better, and she felt lighter overall. She now plans to maintain her gut health with probiotics and a more balanced diet.

Herbal supplements can be more potent than culinary uses and may interact with medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness [4].

Recommended Dosage

• Arthritis: 150mg of sweet wormwood extract, taken twice daily for 12 weeks [1].
• Malaria: 500mg of dried sweet wormwood leaves, taken twice daily for 5 days, especially for drug-resistant cases [1].

Usage Precautions

• Always consult a doctor before use to avoid drug interactions.
• May reduce the effectiveness or increase the side effects of certain medications.
• Not suitable for pregnant women, those planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding mothers.
• Individuals allergic to pollen or plants like daisies, marigolds, or ragweed should use caution.
• Those with heart, liver, kidney, neurological, epileptic, or diabetic conditions should seek medical advice before use.
• People with stomach ulcers or digestive disorders should avoid it.
• Inform your doctor if you are taking medications or have underlying health conditions for safety.

Potential Side Effects

• Stomach discomfort
• Skin reactions, such as rashes [1]

Severe Warning Signs Requiring Emergency Attention

• Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Irregular heartbeat (too fast or too slow, dizziness, chest pain, excessive sweating)
• Severe hypoglycemia (hunger, shaking, rapid heartbeat, confusion, sweating)
  Severe vomiting, intense stomach pain, prolonged diarrhea
• Seizures

Conclusion

From a revered traditional remedy to a subject of modern scientific research, sweet wormwood is a promising medicinal herb. However, consuming it directly or over an extended period requires careful consideration.

Despite its reputation as a “golden herb” in the fight against malaria, sweet wormwood is not suitable for everyone—especially when used without guidance. Hopefully, this article has provided a well-rounded perspective on the question: Is It Safe to Eat Sweet Wormwood?