How to Brew Artemisia Annua Tea for Health Benefits

Artemisia Annua tea is a traditional herbal remedy that is said to improve the immune system and relax the mind.

In many cases, teas are preferred by individuals taking herbal remedies as opposed to pills.

It is possible to purchase bulk Artemisia Annua tea leaves to brew your tea, or some herbalists might sell pre-measured tea bags. The leaves are said to have a bitter taste, so you may want to combine them with honey or other flavor enhancers to mask the taste.

Researchers have now identified several compounds in Artemisia Annua tea that provide an anti-viral effect, anti-oxidant protection and can help in the treatment and prevention of Malaria and possibly cancer.

Artemisinin

Immunomodulator

Immunity

Anti- Viral

Chinese Medicine

How It Works:

• Anti-viral & immune supporting properties
• Promotes general health & anti-aging
• Used in Chinese medicine to boost Qi

Dosage:

Between 100 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Artemisia Annua Plant Description

The Artemisia Annua (Sweet Wormwood) plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, and has long been used in folk medicine.

It grows to approximately 2 meters in height and has leaves that look similar to those of the fern. The tiny yellow flowers of the plant smell like camphor, hence one of its nicknames.

In most cases, the plant has been used to treat fevers and hemorrhoids, but has also been used to treat malaria and asthma. Today it is under intense study in the treatment of some cancers, although efficacy for such uses has not yet been scientifically verified.

Artemisia Annua tea has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. In China, the common names for the plant include Qinghao and Huag Hau Hao. The herb has a history as a flavoring ingredient in liquors such as vermouth. Artemisia annua is also used as a source for essential oils to make perfumes.

Artemisia Annua Tea

Artemisia Annua Tea recipes are quite simple to brew, but can be made more complex by the addition of different ingredients. Always follow instructions on package labels in regard to dosage and amount of product to use when making tea brews. This is because different brands or manufacturers of Artemisia annua tea bags may differ in regard to components and potency.

A common recipe is to place approximately 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the dried tea leaves into a cupand then pour one cup of hot water over the leaves. Some recipes may specify boiling water, while other recommend water that has not quite reached the boiling point to protect the active compounds in the leaves from damage.

The leaves are strong and bitter tasting, so you will likely want to add a sweetener of some sort. Let the tea steep for several minutes to ensure the active compounds are extracted from the Artemisia Annua leaves. The tea is best digested on a full stomach. The tea can also be mixed with other herbal teas including peppermint to improve taste.

Effects of Artemisia Annua Tea

Artemisia annua contains a number of bioactive plant components, principal among which is the Artemisinin chemical.

Artemisinin is clinically proven to have anti-malarial effects and it is the main factor in malarian drugs known as ACTs (Artemisinin Combination Therapy).

The plant also has a high content of flavonoid compounds, responsible for enhanced antioxidant protection. Flavonoids are the reason that so many herbs and leafy vegetables are effective as anti-oxidants. These free radical destroyers have even higher ratios of activity than vitamin C, vitamin E, or glutathione.

Preparations of Artemisia annua tea are traditional in a number of herbal therapies that blend alternative and Western medical treatment approaches. The leaves and the extract of the plant have long been believed to support the immune system. The plant is classified in some Chinese research annals as one of four highly medicinal plants with a high ratio of oxygen radical absorbance capacity, due to the high content of flavonoids.

Is Artemisia Annua Tea Safe?

When used properly and according to recommended doses, artemisinin and Artemisia annua tea is safe. However, it should be noted that some individuals may be allergic to some of the pollen contained in the plant. The herb has a short half-life and is quickly eliminated from the body, but some of the derivatives of artemisinin that include artesunate, dihydroartemisinin, arteether, and artemether, may have prolonged effects

It should be noted that dosage depends on the percentage of these active components found within the plant. Brewing your tea from leaves that are higher in concentration of artemisinin and other derivatives will mean you need a smaller amount of tea leaves per cup. These components differ between countries of origin including Brazil, China, and Switzerland, where selections of the derivatives range from 0.3% to 1.5%.

Dosing recommendations may also be based on a person’s age, overall health, and other contributing factors such as medical conditions. Do not take Artemisia annua tea or capsules if currently taking medications for diabetes, as the herb may decrease blood sugar.

When combined with diabetes medications that also decrease blood sugar, a person may risk hypoglycemia – very low blood sugar levels. Some of the most common diabetic medications include Avandia, Glucotrol, and Amaryl. Always discuss use of herbal remedies and herbal teas with your doctor before using them.

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