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Artemisia annua
( Chinese wormwood )
This traditional Chinese herb, also
known as sweet wormwood, has been used in China for 2000 years. It is found in
many parts of the world, but was not recognized until the early 1970s for its
potential in treating the causative agent of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum.
It is this particular herb that contains the chemical, artemesin, not found in
any other species of Artemesia. It is reported to be the prototype for
new anti-malarial medicines.
This herb exerts a broad spectrum of
activity against protozoa and yeast. It is effective against the liver fluke,
Clonorchis sinensis, and the blood fluke, Schistosoma japonicum, as
well as against giardia and other protozoa. This herb has a low toxicity level
since no obvious side effects have been reported. It is safe in people with
heart, kidney, or liver disease, and in pregnant women. Do use contain because
Chinese wormwood can initially cause a worsening of symptoms, allergic
reactions, and some intestinal irritation.
This herb is highly effective and
quick acting. Artemisia annua crosses the blood-brain barrier making it
potentially useful for the therapy of amebic infection in the brain. High dose
antioxidant supplementation should be withheld during the treatment of protozoan
infection, especially during treatment with Artemisia annua. When taking for
cryptosporidium infection, use 1000 milligrams three times a day for 20 days.
this herb may be given along with grapefruit seed extract or other
anti-parasitic herbs. When treating malaria with Artemisia annua, use for 10
days.
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