For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine used Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua) to help maintain normal body temperature. Also called Sweet Wormwood, this herb is the natural source of artemisinin, the basis of modern antimalarial medicines.
People take Sweet Annie supplements in dried herb extract or powdered form, often for general wellness. Research on uses beyond its artemisinin content is thin, and no standard dose exists. These supplements are not a replacement for prescription antimalarial medication.
If you have allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or related plants, you may react to Sweet Annie. Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The herb can affect how the liver handles certain medications, so consult a healthcare professional if you take prescription drugs.