Qing Hao (Sweet Wormwood) – Cut Bulk Chinese Herb | Lab Tested
Artemisia annua | Traditional Chinese Herb | Single Ingredient
Discover Qing Hao, also known as Sweet Wormwood, a distinctive bitter herb with a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Valued for its traditional cooling properties, Qing Hao is commonly used in classical herbal preparations selected according to individual TCM patterns.
At 1st Chinese Herbs, we believe that knowing what goes into your herbal preparations matters. Our focus is on authentic botanical ingredients, responsible sourcing, and independently verified quality.
Why Choose Our Qing Hao?
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Independently Third-Party Lab Tested – Quality testing provides an additional level of confidence.
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100% Single Herb – Cut Qing Hao with no added fillers or artificial ingredients.
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Traditional Cut Form – Suitable for practitioner-directed herbal preparations.
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Carefully Sourced – Selected with attention to botanical identity and handling.
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Trusted Since 1994 – Over three decades serving customers interested in traditional Chinese herbs.
Qing Hao - Sweet Wormwood at a Glance
| Product Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | Qing Hao (青蒿) |
| Common name | Sweet Wormwood |
| Botanical name | Artemisia annua L. |
| Alternative spelling | Ching Hao |
| Form | Cut bulk herb |
| Traditional taste | Bitter |
| Traditional nature | Cold |
| Traditional meridians | Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney |
| Ingredients | 100% Qing Hao |
| Quality | Independently third-party lab tested |
| Organic certification | Not certified organic |
What Is Qing Hao (Sweet Wormwood)?
Qing Hao is the Chinese herbal name commonly associated with Artemisia annua, an aromatic annual plant belonging to the Asteraceae family.
Its leaves and tender above-ground portions have been used in traditional Chinese herbal preparations for centuries.
Qing Hao is recognized for its distinctly bitter character and its place among herbs traditionally classified as cooling.
Unlike culinary herbs primarily chosen for flavor, Qing Hao is generally selected for specific traditional herbal preparations.
Qing Hao is a whole botanical herb, not an extract.
Traditional Uses of Qing Hao in Chinese Herbalism
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qing Hao is classified as a bitter, cold herb. Traditional practitioners select it according to an individual's overall pattern rather than a single symptom.
Traditional TCM Functions
1. Clears Summer-Heat
Qing Hao has historically been included in herbal preparations associated with the traditional concept of Summer-Heat, particularly during warm seasons.
2. Clears Deficiency Heat
In classical Chinese herbalism, Qing Hao is associated with clearing Deficiency Heat, a traditional pattern sometimes described in connection with sensations of internal warmth.
3. Clears Heat from the Blood
Traditional texts also describe Qing Hao within the broader TCM framework of clearing Heat from the Blood.
4. Supports Traditional Heat-Clearing Formulas
Qing Hao may be combined with other herbs by qualified practitioners to create formulas suited to specific traditional patterns.
These descriptions reflect historical TCM theory. They are not claims that Qing Hao diagnoses, treats, or prevents medical conditions.
Qing Hao and Artemisinin: Understanding the Difference
One reason Artemisia annua has attracted modern scientific attention is its naturally occurring compound called artemisinin.
Artemisinin was isolated from Artemisia annua through research that contributed significantly to modern antimalarial drug development.
However, there is an important distinction:
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Qing Hao is the whole botanical herb containing naturally varying plant constituents.
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Artemisinin is a specific compound isolated from the plant.
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Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are regulated pharmaceutical treatments containing standardized drug ingredients.
The amount of artemisinin naturally present in whole Qing Hao varies with growing conditions, harvesting, processing, and other factors.
Bulk Qing Hao is not a substitute for pharmaceutical artemisinin, prescribed malaria treatment, antibiotics, or other medical care.
How to Prepare Qing Hao Cut Herb
Qing Hao is traditionally prepared using water-based methods. Preparation practices vary according to the intended formula and the guidance of a qualified herbal practitioner.
Traditional Short Decoction
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Measure the quantity of cut Qing Hao specified in your practitioner-directed formula.
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Place the herb in a suitable pot with the recommended amount of water.
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Heat gently according to the formula instructions.
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Qing Hao is traditionally added late in some decoctions rather than subjected to prolonged boiling.
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Strain before use, following the practitioner's directions.
Why is Qing Hao often prepared briefly?
Classical preparation methods commonly recommend avoiding prolonged boiling. Preparation choices can influence the extraction and retention of naturally occurring plant constituents.
Can Qing Hao Be Prepared as Tea?
Qing Hao can be prepared as an herbal infusion, although it has a naturally bitter taste.
Because preparation strength, serving quantity, and suitability depend on the individual, consult a qualified herbal professional before using Qing Hao internally. A standardized self-treatment dose is not provided here.
Helpful guide: How to Use Bulk Herbs – Preparation and Brewing
Traditional Herbs Commonly Paired with Qing Hao
In classical Chinese herbalism, individual herbs are frequently combined into formulas based on traditional patterns.
| Companion Herb | Traditional Herbal Context |
|---|---|
| Di Gu Pi (Lycium Root Bark) | Commonly discussed in Deficiency-Heat formulas |
| Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Bark) | Traditionally associated with cooling Blood Heat |
| Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia) | Used in traditional Yin-nourishing and Heat-clearing formulas |
| Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena) | Traditionally classified as a Heat-clearing herb |
These pairings are provided for educational purposes, not as instructions to combine or consume herbs independently.
Naturally Occurring Botanical Constituents
Artemisia annua contains numerous naturally occurring plant constituents, including:
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Artemisinin and related sesquiterpene compounds
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Flavonoids
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Aromatic volatile constituents
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Other naturally occurring botanical compounds
The composition of whole herbs can vary between harvests and batches.
Scientific research on isolated compounds should not be interpreted as proof that drinking Qing Hao tea produces the same effects as purified compounds used in laboratory research or regulated medicines.
Quality You Can Feel Confident About
At 1st Chinese Herbs, quality is an essential part of our approach to sourcing traditional botanicals.
Independently Third-Party Lab Tested
Independent laboratory testing helps support our quality-control practices and provides an additional level of verification beyond visual inspection alone.
Single-Ingredient Botanical
Our cut Qing Hao contains one herbal ingredient, without added fillers or unnecessary excipients.
Conventional Herb – Not Certified Organic
This Qing Hao is sold as a conventional botanical product. We do not represent it as certified organic.
Traditional Herbs Since 1994
1st Chinese Herbs has supplied Chinese herbs and traditional herbal products since 1994, with an emphasis on product education, sourcing, and customer confidence.
Important Safety Information
Qing Hao is not appropriate for everyone.
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid use unless a qualified healthcare professional specifically determines that it is appropriate.
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Prescription medications: Consult your healthcare professional before use because herb–drug interactions may occur.
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Liver conditions: Seek medical guidance before use, as liver-related safety concerns have been reported with some Artemisia annua preparations.
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Plant allergies: Avoid use if you have a known allergy to Artemisia species or related plants.
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Children: Do not administer without qualified professional guidance.
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Long-term use: Do not assume that daily or prolonged use is safe.
Stop use and seek medical advice if you experience an adverse reaction.
This herb should not replace professional diagnosis or treatment of infections, fever, or other medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qing Hao the same as Sweet Wormwood?
Yes. Qing Hao is a Chinese herbal name commonly used for Artemisia annua, also known as Sweet Wormwood.
Is this Qing Hao certified organic?
No. This product is a conventional, non-certified-organic herb. It is independently third-party lab tested as part of our quality-control program.
What form of Qing Hao will I receive?
This product is supplied as cut bulk herb, rather than powder, capsules, or a concentrated extract.
What does Qing Hao taste like?
Qing Hao has a distinctly bitter, herbal taste characteristic of its traditional classification.
Is Qing Hao the same as artemisinin?
No. Qing Hao is the whole plant material, while artemisinin is one naturally occurring compound that can be isolated from Artemisia annua.
Can Qing Hao be used for Lyme disease or malaria?
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent Lyme disease, malaria, or any other disease. Research involving plant extracts or isolated compounds does not establish that bulk Qing Hao is an effective treatment for infections. Seek appropriate medical care for suspected infections.
Can I use Qing Hao every day?
Daily use should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Appropriate use depends on your health history, medications, and individual circumstances.
Why buy Qing Hao from 1st Chinese Herbs?
We combine independently third-party lab-tested botanical products, clear product information, and decades of experience supplying traditional Chinese herbs.
Scientific Research and Further Reading
The following publications provide historical and scientific background on Artemisia annua and its constituents. They are provided for education and do not establish that this bulk herb treats disease.
Artemisinin Discovery and Botanical History
Modern Research on Artemisinin
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PubMed – Artemisinin and experimental inflammatory pathways (PMID: 28000518)
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PubMed Central – Artemisinin and immune signaling research (PMC11543433)
Research involving isolated artemisinin or laboratory extracts cannot be directly applied to the safety or effectiveness of this bulk herb.
Learn More About Traditional Chinese Herbs
Trusted Since 1994 | Independently Third-Party Lab Tested | Traditional Chinese Herb Education
Updated: November 13, 2026
Author: 1st Chinese Herbs Research Team
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Educational Disclaimer: Information about traditional Chinese herbal practices is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
