Indications

In TCM, used to clear summer-heat and other types of fever, rashes and nosebleeds.

Infection
• febrile diseases (traditional use)
- malaria (acute use, i.e. not prophylaxis)
- parasites
• leishmaniasis
• schistosomes

Cancer (artemisinin)
• breast
• lung
• prostate
• leukemia

Autoimmune
• general autoimmune conditions
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Note: Low doses are immunostimulating; high doses are immunosuppressive.

Gastrointestinal
• dyspepsia

Actions

• Antimalarial
• Antimicrobial
• antiparasitic
• Antipyretic
• Anticancer
• Immunostimulant (Low Doses)
• Immunosuppressive (High Doses)
• Antileishmanial
• Antischistosomal
• Bitter
• Stomachic
• Cholagogue
• Choleretic

Constituents

• Sesquiterpene Lactone • Endoperoxide Bridge (E.g. Artemisinin)
• Essential Oils
• Flavonoids

Posology

• Liquid extract (1:2): 20-40 ml qd
• Infusion (dry herb): 6-12 g daily; may require 30 g for serious conditions

Note: The active constituents are relatively unstable and excessive heat will destroy the preparation. Water should be boiled and allowed to cool before adding to the herb.

Safety

Generally considered safe when used as indicated.

High doses: May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Interactions

• Stability: Store preparation away from heat and light. High temperatures deactivates the main compounds.

• Iron supplements • may reduce the absorption of non-heme iron. Take iron supplements a few hours apart.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002