Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia capillaris)

Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia capillaris) is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to East Asia, China, and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and roots have been used for infusions, decoctions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, bitter, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, korean traditional medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia capillaris) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia capillaris) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Sweet Wormwood
Scientific Name	Artemisia capillaris
Plant Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Artemisia
Species	capillaris
Native Range	East Asia, China, Southeast Asia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Artemisia capillaris
Common Name: Sweet Wormwood
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Sweet Wormwood, Capillary Wormwood, Chinese Wormwood
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Artemisia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Laminae with prominent white stomatal bands on the lower surface, upper surface pale green, lower surface whitish with dense pubescence.
Flowers: Small, yellowish-green flower heads arranged in dense, spike-like inflorescences, actinomorphic, with tubular florets and pale yellow ligules.
Stems: Cylindrical, herbaceous, ascending growth habit with opposite branching, covered in dense white pubescence, possessing pith that is chambered and fibrous.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a gentle anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Bitter: Historically regarded as a calming bitter, for digestion-related formulations.
Diuretic: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate diuretic, in cleansing-oriented uses.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a soothing tonic, in whole-system applications.

Active Compounds

Terpenoid: A diverse group of organic compounds present in many aromatic plants.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Coumarin: A group of secondary metabolites present in seeds, roots, and leaves.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Available information does not clearly establish contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in moderate fertility soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.