Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), also known as Qing Hao, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily for the treatment of fevers and malaria. Its use for influenza and other viral fevers is based largely on these traditional applications, where it was employed to reduce fever and alleviate symptoms associated with "hot" illnesses. The active compound, artemisinin, is well-established as an antimalarial agent, but its direct antiviral effects, especially against influenza viruses, are not robustly supported by scientific evidence. A few in vitro and animal studies have indicated that extracts from Artemisia annua may possess some antiviral properties, but these findings are preliminary and not specific to influenza. There are no large-scale clinical trials or systematic reviews that validate the use of sweet wormwood for treating or preventing influenza in humans. Consequently, while it has a traditional basis for use in febrile illnesses, the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for influenza is weak, with most authorities recommending standard antiviral medications and vaccines for management. Thus, the use of sweet wormwood for influenza is justified primarily by tradition, not by strong scientific validation.

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