Artemisia

Botanical

What is it

Artemisia is a large genus of plants in the daisy family. Several species are medicinally important: A. annua (sweet wormwood, source of artemisinin for malaria), A. absinthium (wormwood, used in bitters and digestive tonics), A. argyi (Chinese mugwort), A. capillaris (yin chen hao, used for liver/biliary support in TCM), and A. dracunculus (tarragon).

Evidence for 3 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Malaria (artemisinin from A. annua)

Strong Evidence

Artemisinin-based combination therapy is WHO-recommended first-line treatment for falciparum malaria, supported by extensive clinical evidence.

Digestive complaints (wormwood, traditional)

Limited Evidence

Bitter Artemisia species have a long history of use for dyspepsia. Limited modern trials support modest digestive benefits.

Liver / biliary support (A. capillaris, traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Small Chinese-language trials support traditional use for jaundice and biliary complaints. Evidence quality is generally low.

How it works

Different Artemisia species contain different active compounds: A. annua is notable for artemisinin (an antimalarial sesquiterpene lactone); A. absinthium contains thujones (which give absinthe its character and contribute to higher-dose neurotoxicity) along with absinthin (a bitter principle); A. capillaris contains scoparone (with hepatoprotective and choleretic activity). Clinical effects therefore differ dramatically by species. A. annua-derived artemisinin and derivatives are first-line antimalarials backed by extensive evidence. Other Artemisia species are used in traditional formulas for digestive, biliary, and respiratory complaints, with much weaker clinical evidence as monotherapy.

Dosage

No RDA for Artemisia. Doses vary widely by species and indication. Antimalarial artemisinin combination therapy follows specific clinical protocols; bitter wormwood tinctures are used at small doses (1-5 mL of a 1:5 tincture) for digestive bitters; A. capillaris is dosed at 6-15 g of dried herb in TCM.

When and how to take it

Highly species- and indication-specific. Antimalarial artemisinin follows physician-directed schedules. Digestive bitters are taken 15-30 minutes before meals. TCM formulas containing Artemisia are taken in 2-3 divided daily doses.

3 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Standardized artemisinin (prescription antimalarial)

Antimalarial use is highly regulated.

Specific pharmacokinetics; multiple semisynthetic derivatives (artesunate, artemether).

Wormwood tincture (A. absinthium)

Choose thujone-free products for repeated use.

Alcohol extracts bitter principles.

TCM herb (A. capillaris, A. argyi)

Traditional preparations.

Used in decoctions or formulas.

Safety

Species-specific. A. absinthium contains thujones, which are neurotoxic at high doses and chronic exposure (this is the chemical concern behind historic absinthe restrictions); modern thujone-free wormwood extracts are available. Other species are generally well tolerated at traditional doses. Allergic reactions can occur in people sensitive to Asteraceae.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding for most species (uterine effects and uncertain safety). People with seizure disorders should avoid thujone-containing products. People with Asteraceae allergy (ragweed, daisies) may cross-react. Use under qualified guidance for antimalarial indications.

Interactions

Artemisinin and derivatives have specific drug interactions; consult prescribing information. Wormwood (A. absinthium) and other bitter Artemisia species may affect blood sugar (additive with diabetes meds), seizure threshold (with thujone), and bleeding risk.

Food sources

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)

Amount
trace (culinary herb)
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Are all Artemisia species the same?⌄

No. They have very different chemistry and uses. Be sure the product specifies which species and the intended use.

Can I take wormwood long term?⌄

Concentrated traditional wormwood (with thujone) is not for long-term use due to neurotoxicity. Modern thujone-free extracts can be used in courses with medical guidance.

References

Artemisia on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Artemisia on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Artemisia (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.