Wormwood Annua/ Artemisia Annua Seeds

The seeds are available all year round, packaged in waterproof doypack bags.

Botany :

Artemisia annua is distinguished by its herbaceous structure and its ability to
rise rapidly, sometimes reaching 2 meters. Its sturdy stems
support delicately jagged, bright green leaves, which
exude a characteristic aroma when touched. Around the
late summer and early fall, this plant is covered with small
yellow flowers arranged in panicles, providing a charming contrast
with its foliage. Naturally adaptable, Artemisia annua thrives
under generous sun and in soil ensuring good drainage,
testifying to its resilience and versatility.

Benefits:

Medicinal Properties

The main asset of Artemisia annua, artemisinin, a molecule extracted from its leaves, is recognized for its effectiveness against malaria. The discovery of this substance earned Tu Youyou a Nobel Prize in Medicine, thus underlining the importance of this plant in the world pharmacopoeia. Beyond its antimalarial action, artemisinin shows promising properties against certain forms of cancer, particularly breast and lung cancer, thanks to its ability to target cancer cells in the presence of iron.

Antiviral Potential

In the current context of research into treatments against various viral infections, Artemisia annua has been studied for its potential effects against the COVID-19 virus. Although additional studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness, initial observations suggest a positive impact on the immune system, reinforcing interest in this plant in the fight against viral infections.

Traditional Applications

Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, Artemisia annua is used for its digestive and tonic properties. It is recommended to soothe headaches, reduce fever and treat various digestive disorders. Its ability to stimulate the immune system also makes it useful in preventing seasonal illnesses.

Natural Insect Repellent

In addition to its health benefits, Artemisia annua acts as a natural repellent against harmful insects, thanks to its pungent aroma. It therefore makes an excellent addition to gardens and green spaces, protecting neighboring crops and contributing to a healthier environment.

Usage Precautions

Despite its many benefits, the use of Artemisia annua must be done with caution. Its potential neurotoxicity requires moderate consumption and always under medical supervision, particularly for pregnant or breastfeeding women and people suffering from epileptic disorders.

Sowing Temperature

• Ideal : Between 20 and 25°C for optimal germination.
• Sowing : Carry out at the end of spring when the risk of frost has passed.

Germination Time

• Fast : Seeds generally begin to germinate between 4 and 10 days after sowing.

Earth Type

• Drainage : Prefers light, well-drained soils with good topsoil.
• pH : Tolerates a range of pH but prefers slightly acidic to neutral.

Exposure

• Light : Requires sunny exposure or partial shade for optimal development.

Sowing and Flowering Time

• Sowing : Spring, after the last frost.
• Flowering : Late summer to fall, approximately 190 to 240 days after sowing.

Diseases and Remedies

• Resistance : Plant relatively resistant to common diseases.
• Prevention : Maintain good spacing between plants for adequate ventilation and avoid excess humidity.
• Treatment : In case of illness, favor natural remedies such as sprays of baking soda or diluted essential oils.

Let yourself be carried away by the fascinating stories of Artemisia annua, this plant with a thousand virtues, and discover how to distinguish it from its cousin, Artemisia absinthium, known as wormwood.

Anecdotes about Artemisia Annua

1. A Treasure from the Middle Kingdom
   In the heart of ancient China, Artemisia annua was already a star of traditional pharmacopoeia. It is said that healers of the time nicknamed it "the herb of life" for its powerful antipyretic properties, capable of reducing the fever of emperors and peasants with equal effectiveness.
2. The Quest for Nobility
   In the 16th century, a European explorer, fascinated by the stories of Silk Road merchants, brought Artemisia annua back to the old continent. He was convinced that this plant could cure the malaria that ravaged the Italian marshes, thus winning the favor of the nobility.
3. The Revelation of Tu Youyou
   In a discreet laboratory during the Cultural Revolution, scientist Tu Youyou discovered that Artemisia annua extract could effectively combat malaria. It was a breakthrough that earned him the Nobel Prize, a tribute to his hard work and the age-old wisdom of Chinese medicine.
4. The Country Healer
   In rural Africa, where access to modern medicines remains a challenge, Artemisia annua has been adopted by local communities as a natural way to combat malaria, strengthening natural healing traditions and community resilience.
5. Artists' Inspiration
   Like Van Gogh's absinthe, Artemisia annua has also inspired artists, not with its taste, but with its beauty and aura of mystery. From poets to painters, many have sought to capture its essence, transforming it into a symbol of healing and hope.

Distinction between Artemisia Annua and Artemisia Absinthium

Although sharing the same family name, Artemisia annua and Artemisia absinthium are clearly distinguished. Artemisia annua, with its slender stems and finely cut leaves, is adorned with small yellow flowers in summer. Unlike Artemisia absinthium, or wormwood, which has denser, silvery leaves and pale yellow flowers, Artemisia annua is more airy, its leaves giving off a less intense scent. Absinthe is famous for its role in the eponymous drink, while Artemisia annua is acclaimed for its medicinal benefits, particularly against malaria.

These stories weave the rich heritage of Artemisia annua, revealing not only its importance in the medical world but also its influence on human culture and history. For more information on these plants and their uses, I encourage you to consult specialized and reliable resources.

1. Is Artemisia annua toxic?
   Although useful medicinally, Artemisia annua should be used with caution and knowledge, especially when it comes to ingestion.

2. How to harvest Artemisia annua?
The aerial parts can be harvested just before flowering for use in herbal teas or extracts.

3. Can we grow Artemisia annua in a pot?
Yes, it adapts well to growing in pots, as long as you provide enough space for its development.

4.When should you sow Artemisia annua seeds?
Sowing is done in spring, after all risk of frost, directly in place.

5. How long for germination?
Artemisia annua seeds generally germinate in 1 to 2 weeks under optimal temperature and light conditions.

Caution
For therapeutic use, it is crucial to learn about good practices and
the recommendations for use, to fully benefit from the benefits of
Artemisia annua safely.