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Quick Facts (Fast Answers)

• Common name: Sweet Wormwood
• Botanical name: Artemisia annua
• Pinyin: Qing Hao (Ching Hao)
• Form: Cut herb (bulk)
• Traditional properties: Bitter, Cold
• Traditional channels: Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney
• Ingredients: 100% single herb (no fillers)

What Is Qing Hao Used for in Traditional Chinese Herbalism?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qing Hao is best known for clearing heat—especially the kind described as “deficiency heat” (heat sensations that can show up later in the day or at night). Bitter herbs are traditionally used to clear Heat and dry Dampness, supporting the body’s natural clearing and cooling processes.

Traditional functions people look for

• Clears summer-heat (hot weather discomfort, feeling overheated)
• Clears deficiency heat (warmth that feels deeper/internal, sometimes worse at night)
• Supports clear, comfortable skin when heat patterns are involved
• Supports the Liver/Gallbladder “damp-heat” comfort framework in classical usage

Note: Traditional use language describes patterns, not diseases. Individual needs vary—especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Why Qing Hao Matters in Modern Research 

Artemisia annua is the plant source of artemisinin. Artemisinin derivatives are a foundation of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which the World Health Organization recommends as first-line treatments for certain types of malaria. This is an important historical bridge between traditional botanical knowledge and modern medicine.

• Artemisinin was discovered/isolated from Artemisia annua and became essential in ACTs.
• WHO continues to recommend ACTs for uncomplicated falciparum malaria (drug therapy, not bulk herb use).

Important: This product is a bulk herb. It is not intended to treat malaria or any disease. If you suspect malaria or any serious infection, seek urgent medical care.

Qing Hao + Lyme Conversations 

Some herbal authors and practitioners discuss Qing Hao in the context of complex, multi-symptom wellness approaches (including discussions around tick-borne illness). There is also scientific interest in botanical compounds for microbial balance and inflammation pathways. However, evidence varies by condition, and this herb should not be presented as a stand-alone solution for Lyme disease or any infection.

If you’re exploring herbs alongside medical care: work with a qualified clinician (especially if you take prescription medications, have liver concerns, or are pregnant/nursing).

How to Use Qing Hao (Cut Form): Tea vs. Decoction

Option A: Gentle steep (tea-style)

1. Use 1–2 teaspoons cut herb per 8–12 oz hot water.
2. Cover and steep 10–15 minutes.
3. Strain. Taste is naturally bitter.

Option B: Short decoction (traditional simmer)

1. Add 3–9 grams cut herb to 2–3 cups water.
2. Bring to a light simmer and cook 10–15 minutes, then strain.

Why “short” matters: Many traditional instructions recommend avoiding long boiling times for Qing Hao. Keep simmer times modest unless your practitioner advises otherwise.

What Herbs Combine Well with Qing Hao?

Herb pairing should match the pattern (heat type, dampness, constitution, and medications). That said, people commonly ask about these combinations:

• Qing Hao + Honeysuckle (cooling, “summer-heat” style blends)
• Qing Hao + Raw Rehmannia (often discussed for deeper “yin/heat” patterns)
• Qing Hao + Moutan (Mu Dan Pi) (cooling-blood style frameworks)
• Qing Hao + Pau d’Arco (used by some customers in broad cleansing routines; ask a practitioner if unsure)

Naturally Occurring Compounds 

Artemisia annua contains a range of naturally occurring plant compounds (which can vary by harvest and processing), including artemisinin-related constituents, flavonoids, and aromatic compounds.

Cautions, Interactions, and Who Should NOT Use Qing Hao

• Do not use if pregnant or nursing unless specifically supervised by a qualified clinician.
• Use caution with medications (especially if you are on complex prescriptions or have liver concerns).
• If you experience discomfort, stop use and consult a clinician.

Pregnancy note: safety discussions around artemisinin derivatives include caution—particularly early pregnancy—so conservative avoidance is common in herbal retail guidance.

Quality 

• Single-herb integrity: no fillers or excipients.
• Clean sourcing: know origin and handling.
• Documentation: ask for testing/COA 

FAQs

What does Qing Hao tea taste like?

It’s naturally bitter and cooling. Many people blend it with other herbs to soften the taste.

Can I take Qing Hao every day?

Some people use it seasonally or short-term. If you want daily use, it’s best to follow a practitioner plan—especially if you take medications.

Is Qing Hao the same as artemisinin?

No. Qing Hao is the whole herb. Artemisinin is one compound originally isolated from the plant and used in pharmaceutical malaria therapies.

What’s the best way to brew the cut form?

If you’re new, start with a covered steep (10–15 minutes). For traditional use, use a short simmer rather than long boiling.

References 

• WHO Q&A on artemisinin resistance and ACT recommendations
• PubMed review on ACTs and artemisinin discovery
• Peer-reviewed overview of artemisinin discovery significance
• Botanical medicine discussion including Artemisia annua in broader microbial research contexts

• 1) Artemisia annua → artemisinin discovery (history / credibility)

  • PMID: 10212890 — Describes how Chinese scientists isolated the antimalarial principle from qinghao (Artemisia annua) and named it artemisinin/qinghaosu; includes historical context of discovery.

  • PMID: 3414217 — “Artemisinin: Discovery from the Chinese Herbal Garden” overview of artemisinin discovery and its impact on malaria treatment (high-authority narrative review).

  • PMCID (PubMed Central): PMC6254926 — “Discovery of Artemisinin (Qinghaosu)” historical summary and attribution to Youyou Tu and the early 1970s timeline.

  • PMCID: PMC1885105 — Discusses the discovery story and the relationship between traditional qinghao and modern artemisinin extraction.

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  2) WHO-recommended artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) (malaria context)

  • PMID: 19588433 — Review stating WHO recommends ACTs for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria; compares benefits/harms across ACT options.

  • PMCID: PMC2901398 — Review noting WHO recommendation of ACTs as preferred first-line antimalarials against P. falciparum.

  • PMCID: PMC6532584 — Cochrane-style review on ACTs; repeats WHO first-line recommendation framing for uncomplicated falciparum malaria.

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  3) Anti-inflammatory mechanism (supports “inflammation pathway” language)

  • PMID: 28000518 — Experimental paper showing artemisinin anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism involving NF-κB/MAPK signaling (skin inflammation model).

  • PMCID: PMC11543433 — 2024 review summarizing how artemisinin/derivatives modulate inflammatory and immune pathways (TNF, IL-6, MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, etc.).

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  4) Antimicrobial activity (general + specific anti-Borrelia in vitro)

  • PMCID: PMC3915762 — Demonstrates antimicrobial activity of artemisinin and related constituents derived from A. annua (lab data).

  • PMID: 32154254 — “Evaluation of Natural and Botanical Medicines for Activity against Borrelia burgdorferi” (in vitro). This study includes Artemisia annua among botanicals tested for activity against stationary-phase Borrelia (lab model).

  Use these to back up (carefully):
  “In vitro studies have evaluated Artemisia annua extracts for antimicrobial activity, including lab screening against Borrelia burgdorferi.”
  (Keep it in vitro and avoid claiming it “treats Lyme.”)

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  5) Pregnancy/first trimester caution (supports conservative safety language)

  • PMCID: PMC10186202 — Evidence review discussing malaria treatment in pregnancy; notes WHO guidance and the caution around first-trimester use of ACTs (context: drug therapy).

Related Links

• How to Use Bulk Herbs (Brewing, decoctions, powders)
• What No One Tells You About Chinese Herbs (Common mistakes)
• Contact Us
• Free Ebook: 10 Vital Medicinal Herbs That Work

Updated 01/13/2026

Author:   1st Chinese Herbs Research Team

Disclaimer: Statements on this page are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.