Artemisia Annua (Qing Hao): Powerful Support for Fever, Immune Balance & Inflammation

Welcome to our herbal wellness space, where the enduring wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) meets the evolving demands of modern health. In today’s spotlight is a remarkable herb with both ancient lineage and global relevance: Artemisia annua, known in Chinese medicine as Qing Hao (青蒿).

While many may associate Artemisia with modern anti-malarial applications, its historical roots run much deeper. Qing Hao has been used for centuries in classical Chinese herbal medicine to clear internal heat, cool the blood, and ease fevers—especially those that are persistent or seasonal in nature.

As our understanding of herbal medicine expands, Qing Hao continues to stand out—not just for its single compound artemisinin, but for the synergy of its whole plant profile. Whether you’re managing long-term inflammation, viral challenges, or simply seeking immune regulation, Qing Hao may offer natural, balanced support as part of your wellness journey.

Quick Summary: What Is Qing Hao?

1. Supports: Fever relief, immune modulation, microbial balance, inflammation, liver function
2. TCM Name: Qing Hao (青蒿)
3. Botanical Name: Artemisia annua
4. Taste & Nature: Bitter, acrid; cold
5. TCM Uses: Clears summer heat, cools the blood, relieves yin-deficiency heat
6. TCM Category: Herbs that Clear Heat and Relieve Summerheat
   
7. How to Use: Tea, extract, powder, or in combination formulas
8. Works Well With: Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Ban Lan Gen (Isatis), Artemisia vulgaris, Andrographis

• Choosing High-Quality Qing Hao: What to Look For

  When purchasing Artemisia annua (Qing Hao), quality matters—not just for effectiveness, but for safety and long-term results. Always select ethically harvested Qing Hao from trusted suppliers that adhere to strict sourcing and testing standards.

  Look for products that are:

  • Lab-tested for artemisinin content, to ensure consistency and potency

  • Screened for microbial contamination, including bacteria, mold, and heavy metals

  • Verified for identity and authenticity, to confirm it is Artemisia annua and not a mislabeled substitute

  While some commercial products isolate specific compounds like artemisinin, many traditional herbalists and TCM practitioners prefer whole herb preparations. Whole-plant extracts contain a full spectrum of naturally occurring phytochemicals that work synergistically—offering balanced, holistic support rather than a single-target approach.

  Choosing whole-leaf Qing Hao, rather than isolated constituents, helps preserve its therapeutic integrity and align with time-tested traditional uses.

A Quick Trip Down History Lane

Artemisia annua has been referenced in TCM literature for more than two millennia, especially in the treatment of febrile illnesses and summerheat conditions. Ancient medical texts such as Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang, compiled by Ge Hong in the 4th century, noted its effectiveness in reducing stubborn fevers and heat disorders.

In 1972, Chinese scientist Tu Youyou isolated the compound artemisinin from Qing Hao, an achievement that led to her receiving the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2015. This breakthrough not only advanced global malaria treatment but also ignited renewed scientific interest in Artemisia’s broader therapeutic potential.

Today, the herb is valued worldwide in immune health, detoxification, inflammation management, and integrative protocols for chronic viral and bacterial infections.

Why Artemisia Annua Matters Today

See our Pro page on Name That Herb
Or review our blog What Name Do You Use To Identify Your Herbs?

How to Use Artemisia Annua

Tip: To reduce bitterness, combine with licorice root or ginger. This also improves digestive harmony.

If you're uncertain which form is right for your condition, don't hesitate to Check out our page on How To Use Herbs

Qing Hao Recipe: Cooling Immune Decoction

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Artemisia annua (dried leaf)

• ½ tsp Huang Qin (Scutellaria)

• 1 slice of fresh ginger

• 2 cups filtered water

Instructions:

1. Place herbs and water in a pot.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer for 15–20 minutes.

3. Strain and drink warm or cool.

Want to discover even more ways to use Qing Hao in your daily routine? Send us an email, and we’ll share 5–10 easy, everyday recipes that make this traditional herb both healing and delicious. Use our contact us page 

Key Medicinal Compounds in Artemisia Annua

Artemisia annua contains several bioactive compounds that contribute to its wide range of therapeutic effects. Understanding these constituents helps explain both its historical significance in Traditional Chinese Medicine and its continued relevance in modern integrative protocols.

These compounds work synergistically to help clear internal heat, regulate immune responses, and support liver function—aligning with Qing Hao’s traditional TCM applications.

Possible Side Effects and Herb-Drug Interactions

While Artemisia annua (Qing Hao) is generally well-tolerated when used appropriately, it’s important to be informed of potential side effects and interactions—especially if you are using this herb in concentrated or long-term protocols.

Possible Side Effects:

• Nausea or bitter aftertaste, particularly at higher doses or in sensitive individuals

• Lowered blood pressure (hypotensive effect); monitor if you already have low blood pressure

• Dizziness or light-headedness (rare), especially when taken on an empty stomach or combined with other detoxifying herbs

Drug Interactions:

• May interact with blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding

• Could interfere with the efficacy of antimalarial medications

• May affect liver-metabolized medications due to its influence on liver enzymes

For individuals taking prescription medications or managing chronic conditions, it's strongly recommended to consult with a licensed herbalist or healthcare provider before adding Artemisia annua to your regimen.

Who Should Be Cautious?

Expert Insight

“Qing Hao has gone from a classical fever herb to a cornerstone in integrative protocols for chronic infections, heat-clearing, and immune restoration.”
— Dr. Wei Liu, PhD, L.Ac., Integrative Herbal Specialist

FAQs: What You Should Know About Qing Hao

Q: What is Artemisia annua used for?
A: Traditionally used to clear heat and reduce fever, Artemisia annua is now valued for immune support, inflammation reduction, and detoxification.

Q: Can I take Qing Hao daily?
A: Short-term use is generally safe. Long-term use should be monitored by a qualified practitioner.

Q: Does Artemisia affect the liver?
A: It can. If you have liver disease or take medications metabolized by the liver, speak with your healthcare provider first.

Have other questions? Contact us directly.

Comparative Analysis: Artemisia Annua and Related Herbs

Why Our Customers Trust Us

• Sustainably harvested Artemisia from high-elevation Chinese farms

• Lab-tested for identity, artemisinin levels, and heavy metals

• Manufactured in GMP-certified U.S. facilities

• Trusted by licensed practitioners and wellness professionals nationwide

Customer Review:

“I used Qing Hao for post-viral support and saw real changes in my recovery timeline. Great quality and fast shipping.”
— Rachel M., Verified Buyer

Final Takeaway

Artemisia annua isn’t just a historical fever remedy—it’s a botanically sophisticated solution rooted in centuries of clinical experience and backed by modern research. Whether you’re facing immune overwhelm, viral recovery, or stubborn inflammation, Qing Hao offers powerful, gentle support from root to leaf.

If you're considering adding Artemisia annua to your wellness protocol and want help choosing the best form, contact us here.

Shop premium-quality Qing Hao leaf, powder, and extracts today to experience its full-spectrum benefits.

What the Science Is Saying

Recent studies have confirmed Qing Hao’s benefits beyond fever control:

• “Antiviral effects of Artemisia annua against SARS-CoV-2 variants” – In vitro evidence suggests Qing Hao may inhibit viral replication.
  PubMed Study

• “Artemisinin derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents” – Found to reduce key pro-inflammatory markers.
  PubMed Study

• “Hepatoprotective properties of Artemisia annua” – Shows antioxidant action and potential liver protection.
  PubMed Study