Artemisia annua – more than a malaria remedy

In 2015, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded for the discovery of artemisinin as an active ingredient against malaria. Annual mugwort is now considered an all-round remedy. It can not only be used successfully to prevent and treat serious illnesses, but even forms the basis of successful aid projects in Africa.

A new star in the sky of natural remedies

With Artemisia annua, a new star has risen in the sky of natural remedies. As the Latin name suggests, it is an annual plant that belongs to the daisy family, like sunflowers and dandelions. Its closest relative in the plant kingdom is absinthe or wormwood, with which it also shares a high content of bitter substances. It has been known as a medicinal remedy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years and is now cultivated primarily in Asia and Africa to produce artemisinin as an anti-malarial agent.

But the plant also contains a lot of other ingredients that promise health benefits. Numerous studies show that annual mugwort brings us back into balance on all levels - body, soul and spirit. Barbara Simonsohn , known for her guides on exotic superfoods, is certain: "The synergistic effects of the individual ingredients, which reinforce each other in their effects, will have a few surprises in store for us." With comprehensive information on ingredients, areas of application and current research results, her compact guide "Artemisia annua" presents a medicinal plant with amazing properties.

Cultivation in Africa and in your own garden

Even those who have never been to Africa or other countries affected by malaria should be interested in this disease, according to Barbara Simonsohn. As a result of global warming and globalization, malaria will not only become more virulent there.

In addition to malaria prophylaxis, natural remedies are now also seen as a potential driver of economic development: in Africa, high-quality plant-based raw materials such as Artemisia annua, Baobab and Moringa oleifera could be processed and sold on local markets and overseas. The majority of the added value would then remain in Africa itself and the local people would benefit. Barbara Simonsohn believes that praiseworthy examples include Hannelore Klabes, who is carrying out projects with Artemisia annua and Moringa in the poorest countries in Africa to provide people there with an inexpensive food source, a medicine cabinet and a source of income, and Dr. Hans-Martin Hirt, who has initiated Artemisia projects in 70 countries around the world, including many in Africa.

In contrast to the baobab and Moringa oleifera, Artemisia annua also grows in our temperate latitudes. Growing it in the garden or on the balcony is easy, as the author herself was able to experience thanks to a small "Artemisia plantation". Her compact guide therefore also offers practical tips for growing it and processing it into tea or powder.

Areas of application from A to Z

The mechanism of action with which Artemisia annua defeats the pathogen that causes malaria is similar to that "which also kills other pathogens and cancer cells," says the health expert. There are now more than 500 scientific studies on Artemisia annua, more than 100 of which are on the subject of cancer. But it is not just cancer that can be fought with it; Artemisia has a positive effect on the entire organism, strengthening the immune system and cells, reports the author. Therapeutically, annual mugwort ensures that we are better protected against diseases, strengthen our immune system, reduce the viral load, relieve symptoms and enable many people to lead a symptom-free life in the future.

Numerous successful treatments have been documented, from valuable intervention options for AIDS or Alzheimer's disease to bacterial infections, Lyme disease, skin and stomach problems and even Parkinson's disease. Artemisia annua helps not only when taken internally, but also when applied to the skin as an ointment. Like tea and powder, this can also be made at home and, according to Simonsohn, should be an integral part of every medicine cabinet. Artemisia annua helps against single-celled organisms, parasites of all kinds, bacteria, viruses and fungi. The "all-purpose weapon" with all its nutrients is also a good way to raise your own energy level and gain a more positive, optimistic attitude.

Book tip:
Barbara Simonsohn: Artemisia annua – medicinal plant of the gods (compact guide). Antibacterial – antiviral – immune stimulating. Mankau Verlag 2018, paperback, full color, 11.5 x 16.5 cm, 127 pages, 8.99 euros (D) / 9.20 euros (A), ISBN 978-3-86374-474-8.

Link recommendations:
More information about the book "Artemisia annua"
To the reading sample in PDF format
More about the author Barbara Simonsohn