How to Make Wormwood Tea: Surprising Facts You Should Know

As a medicinal herb that has been part of traditional medicine for thousands of years, is sweet wormwood truly beneficial for health?

Widely used in ancient Chinese and European folk remedies, sweet wormwood is known for its strong medicinal properties. Notably, its active compound, artemisinin, has saved millions from malaria and earned the 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine.

While sweet wormwood’s medicinal uses are well-documented, few people know that it can be enjoyed as a simple herbal tea. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to prepare wormwood tea at home—an easy, natural way to explore the herb’s potential right from your teacup.

What is Sweet Wormwood and Why is It Important?

Botanical characteristics

Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), a member of the Asteraceae family, is a hardy, herbaceous plant that reaches heights of 1–2 meters. It features delicate, light-green leaves and small, aromatic flowers. Thriving in temperate climates, this herb has played a crucial role in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in China and India. It’s important to note that wormwood and sweet wormwood are different.

Important active ingredients of sweet wormwood

The therapeutic properties of sweet wormwood stem from its diverse array of bioactive compounds, including:

• Artemisinin – The primary active ingredient, renowned for its powerful antimalarial and antiparasitic effects.
• Flavonoids – Potent antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage and inflammation.
• Polyphenols – Found in smaller quantities, these compounds are believed to exert anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting benefits.

Applications of Sweet Wormwood in Medicine

For centuries, sweet wormwood has been a staple in traditional medicine, primarily for digestive support. Ancient Chinese medical texts describe its use for supporting various health aspects, and its medicinal potential has long been recognized across different healing traditions.

Modern research continues to explore the broad therapeutic benefits of sweet wormwood, with a particular focus on its artemisinin content. The groundbreaking discovery of artemisinin’s antimalarial efficacy by Chinese scientist Tu Tu Youyou led to widespread recognition, earning her the 2011 Lasker

Award and the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. This discovery revolutionized malaria treatment and underscored the profound medicinal value of sweet wormwood in global healthcare.

How to Brew Sweet Wormwood Tea: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly for its antimicrobial and immune-supporting properties. Brewing tea from this powerful herb is one of the simplest and most effective ways to harness its benefits.

Ingredients

• 5g of dried sweet wormwood leaves
• 300–500ml of filtered water
• Honey or lemon (optional, for added flavor and health benefits)
  

Brewing Instructions

1. Heat the water – Bring the water to a gentle boil until small bubbles begin to form. Avoid rapid boiling, as excessive heat may degrade some of the delicate bioactive compounds.
2. Steep the leaves – Reduce the heat and add the dried wormwood leaves. Cover the pot and let the tea steep for 5–10 minutes to preserve its essential oils.
3. Strain and enhance – Once the tea reaches a deep golden hue, strain out the leaves. If desired, add honey or lemon to balance the natural bitterness.
4. Enjoy mindfully – Sip slowly and take in the natural aroma and flavor of the tea.

Tips for the Best Sweet Wormwood Tea

• Use gentle heat – Excessively high temperatures can destroy some of the herb’s active ingredients, including artemisinin.
• Adjust steeping time – For a stronger brew, steep for 10–15 minutes, but be aware that this may intensify the bitterness.
• Enhance the flavor – If the taste is too intense, consider adding mint, ginger, or cinnamon for additional health benefits and a smoother flavor profile.

Incorporating sweet wormwood tea into your routine can be a simple yet powerful way to support overall wellness. Additionally, you can enhance both the flavor and nutritional profile of wormwood tea by combining it with other ingredients such as:

• Mint or basil
• Cinnamon
• Lemon
• Fresh milk

According to feedback shared by users across discussion platforms like Reddit and Quora, wormwood tea is often described as having an extremely bitter taste—so much so that many users reported having to stop drinking it altogether. As a result, several practical tips have been suggested to make the tea more palatable:

• User Elizabeth TigerRose suggests that: “Add honey. A dark, flavorful one like buckwheat, should improve the taste. It’s quite a bitter herb…”*
• TechnologyDragon6973 also recommends: “I’ve mixed it with a chai tea bag, milk, and sweetened it. You still get the lingering flavor of wormwood, but it’s more palatable.”*

If you’ve tried these methods and still find the taste of sweet wormwood tea intolerable, you may want to explore alternative consumption forms such as essential oils or capsules to make the experience more manageable.

One approach that some individuals choose is supplementing with products containing sweet wormwood. Many users have reported feeling more comfortable overall, particularly in terms of digestive and gut health.

For example, one Amazon reviewer who used a formula combining Wormwood, Black Walnut, and Clove shared: "I've only taken it for about three days, but I feel more energetic. It looks like the supply should last about a month for a full cleanse, so we'll see how I feel after that. So far, so good—no bad reactions or symptoms."*

That said, it's important to note that dietary supplements are intended to support general wellness and digestive function.

They are not intended to treat or cure diseases such as malaria, for which artemisinin—a compound found in sweet wormwood—has been specifically studied. Before starting any supplement regimen, individuals should carefully consider their personal health goals and needs.

Related article: Is Sweet Wormwood Edible?

The Potential Benefits of Sweet Wormwood Tea: What Does Science Say?

Scientific studies have extensively explored the health benefits of sweet wormwood, revealing several significant findings.

Antimalarial Properties

One of the most remarkable benefits of sweet wormwood is its ability to combat malaria. Due to its artemisinin content, sweet wormwood extracts have been used to develop antimalarial drugs, particularly in cases where traditional treatments have failed. (Axelle et al., 2020) [1].

A review concluded: "Beyond its prominent antimalarial and schistosomicidal properties, artemisinin and its derivatives exhibit activity against other protozoan parasites. Several studies describe the in vitro and in vivo effects of artemisinin and its derivatives against protozoan parasites, including Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Eimeria tenella..." (Axelle et al., 2020) [2].

Antimicrobial and Antifungal Effects

Sweet wormwood’s antimicrobial properties help inhibit harmful bacteria and fungi, including Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Candida albicans. This makes sweet wormwood effective for both internal and external applications. (Mamatova et al., 2019) [3].

Antioxidant Benefits

Sweet wormwood contains natural antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. These protective compounds contribute to overall cellular health and may support the body's resilience against environmental stressors. (Saad Eldamrawy et al., 2019) [4].

Think of it as a natural defense shield, protecting the body from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Artemisinin acts as a frontline warrior, defending your immune system and strengthening its protective barriers.

Cautions and Considerations Before Brewing

While sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) offers a range of health benefits, it’s important to be mindful of potential side effects and interactions. Although research on its adverse effects is still developing, here are a few key considerations:

• Over consumption may lead to side effects – High doses can cause nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea in some individuals.
• Possible mild reactions – Some people may experience headaches or digestive discomfort after consumption.
• Medication interactions – Artemisinin, the key active compound in sweet wormwood, may interact with antimalarial drugs, fever reducers, and anticoagulants. If you’re on medication, consult a healthcare professional before use.
• Not recommended for pregnancy and breastfeeding – The effects of sweet wormwood on fetal development and lactation remain unclear, so it’s best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Not a substitute for conventional medicine – While sweet wormwood has promising medicinal properties, it should be used as a complementary approach rather than a replacement for professional medical treatment.