Sweet Wormwood
Sweet Wormwood Detailed Encyclopedia
Sweet Wormwood is an important antimalarial herb containing artemisinin. It has heat-clearing, fever-reducing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Widely distributed across China, it is a crucial herb in traditional Chinese herbal practice for treating malaria, recognized with a Nobel Prize.
Basic Information
Family：Araliaceae
Scientific Name：Artemisia annua
Origin：Northeast China (Jilin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang), Korea
Harvest Period：Autumn (September-October)
Growth Years：5-6 years
Plant Height：30-60 cm
Morphological Characteristics
Leaves：Palmately compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets, obovate, serrated margins
Flowers：Umbel inflorescence, pale yellowish-green flowers, blooming in May-June
Roots：Fleshy taproot, cylindrical or spindle-shaped, yellowish-white
Stem：Erect stem, smooth and hairless
Growth Environment
Soil Requirements：Deep, fertile, well-drained sandy loam, pH 5.5-6.5
Water Requirements：Moderate moisture, avoid waterlogging
Light Requirements：Shade-loving, requires 60-70% shade
Temperature Requirements：15-25°C, cold-hardy, can withstand -40°C
Humidity Requirements：Relative humidity 70-80%
Classification & Varieties
Main Varieties
Processing Types
💊 Health Benefits
Nature & Taste：Bitter, Pungent, Cold
Meridian：Liver, Gallbladder
Main Efficacies
- •Greatly tonifies vital energy, suitable for severe qi deficiency and collapse
- •Tonifies spleen and lung, improves poor appetite, fatigue, cough and shortness of breath
- •Generates body fluid and quenches thirst, treats fluid deficiency and thirst
- •Calms the mind and improves intelligence, treats insomnia, forgetfulness, palpitations
- •Enhances immunity, anti-fatigue, anti-aging
Active Ingredients
📖 Usage Methods
Dosage
- •Decoction: 3-9g
- •Powder: 1-2g
- •Stew: Simmer with meat or soup
- •Tea: Slice and steep in water
⚠️ Contraindications
- •Contraindicated in excess heat syndrome and hyperactivity of yang
- •Use with caution in hypertension patients
- •Use under medical supervision during pregnancy
- •Children should use in moderation
🌱 Cultivation Techniques
Cultivation Points
- •Select shaded forest land with good drainage
- •Deep tillage, apply sufficient organic fertilizer
- •Autumn sowing, row spacing 20-25cm
- •Provide shade, timely watering and fertilizing
Common Pests & Diseases
Prevention Measures：Strengthen field management, maintain proper ventilation and light
Treatment Methods：Spray carbendazim or methylthiophanate at early stage
✂️ Harvest & Processing
Harvest Timing：Autumn (September-October), harvest after 5-6 years of growth
Harvest Method：Carefully dig up roots, remove stems and soil
Processing Methods
- •Fresh ginseng: Wash and use directly
- •White ginseng: Sun-dry or air-dry
- •Red ginseng: Steam and dry
Storage：Store in cool, dry place, sealed to prevent moisture and insects
🏛️ Cultural Value
History：Ginseng has been used for over 4000 years, listed as superior grade in Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica
Symbolism：Symbolizes vitality, longevity, and sootheth
Gift Culture：Traditional precious gift for sootheth and wellness
Modern Research：Modern research confirms anti-fatigue, immune-enhancing, and anti-aging effects
Market Value：Jilin ginseng is world-renowned, an important herbal material and export commodity