Traditionally used across Asia, Africa, and Europe, Artemisia annua — also known as sweet wormwood or qinghao — has been valued for centuries for its effects on the body’s natural balance and resilience.
While we can’t make medical claims, herbalists and traditional practitioners have long used it for:
In folk medicine, bitter herbs like Artemisia are believed to “wake up” the digestive system and help flush out stagnation — physically and energetically. Such bitter herbs were valued for their ability to “clear heat,” balance the system, and fortify the body’s natural rhythm with the seasons.
In the Balkans, where we source our tea, women once gathered Artemisia with the moon, drying it slowly in shaded sheds and attics, away from harsh sunlight. The result is a clean, piercing infusion that feels alive — one cup is enough to remind you: this is no supermarket herb.
Artemisia isn’t just medicine. She’s a witch’s herb — full of magic, mystery, and protection.
Across cultures, she’s been burned to cleanse spaces, worn to ward off illness, and brewed in teas to sharpen dreams or deepen trance states. In Balkan folk traditions, she’s gathered in the waxing moon, hung above doors, or steeped in moonwater for midsummer rituals.
Here are a few ways witches and folk healers use Artemisia annua:
Our Artemisia annua is wildcrafted in the sunny southern Balkans — where the climate, mineral-rich soils, and traditional growing rhythms produce plants of striking potency.
To prepare:
Sweeten lightly with honey if desired, but we recommend trying her bare first. Let the taste teach you something.
This is not a tea you forget.
She’s bold. She’s ancient. She’s here to challenge and support.
Whether you’re looking to clear fog, reconnect with herbal traditions, or work more deeply with protective plants in your practice — Artemisia annua is a potent ally.
Harvested by hand. Crafted with care. Limited batches only.
For people drawn to bitter herbs, ritual plants, ancestral practices
For seasonal resets, not daily sipping
Not for pregnancy or while breastfeeding
Not for people seeking mild, comforting teas
Is Artemisia annua tea safe to drink?
Traditionally, yes — when used respectfully and in small amounts. Bitter herbs are strong allies, not daily comfort teas. Start slow and listen to your body.
Who should not drink Artemisia annua tea?
Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you have a medical condition or take medication, consult a qualified practitioner before use.
How often should I drink it?
Historically, this was used seasonally or ritualistically — not daily. A few cups over a short period is more aligned with folk use than constant consumption.
Why does bitterness matter so much in folk traditions?
Bitterness was seen as a teacher. It sharpens awareness, strengthens boundaries, and signals potency. In ancestral medicine, bitter meant effective.
Can I sweeten Artemisia tea?
Yes, lightly — honey was traditionally used. Still, many herbalists recommend tasting it plain at least once to understand the plant’s nature.
Is this tea meant more for ritual or physical support?
Both. Artemisia annua sits at the crossroads of body, spirit, and threshold magic. How you use it depends on your intention.
Can beginners work with Artemisia?
Yes — cautiously. This is not a “gentle” herb, but it is a wise one. Respect, moderation, and intention matter more than experience level.
Why is Artemisia associated with protection?
Across Europe and the Balkans, it was believed to repel illness, harmful forces, and spiritual intrusion — especially when used near doors, windows, or thresholds.