Artemisia annua is a highly valued traditional Chinese medicine with similar appearance to mugwort. Therefore, many people cannot distinguish the difference between Artemisia annua and mugwort. Here, we will introduce the differences between Artemisia annua and mugwort!
1. Growth Environment
Artemisia annua and mugwort are both wild herbaceous plants and belong to the Asteraceae family, but they have distinct growth environments.
Artemisia annua mainly grows in low-altitude, moist areas. It can be commonly found along riverbanks, sandy areas, and roadsides.
Mugwort, on the other hand, prefers to grow in wastelands between low and medium altitudes. It can be seen along roadsides and in many mountainous and wild areas.
2. Appearance Differences
Artemisia annua and mugwort also have distinct appearances. In terms of plant height, Artemisia annua is a relatively short herbaceous plant, with a maximum height of no more than 20 cm when fully grown.
Mugwort, on the other hand, can grow to a height of 80-250 cm when fully grown. The stems of Artemisia annua are thin and often dark red, while the stems of mugwort are thicker and pale green.
3. Efficacy Differences
Artemisia annua and mugwort also differ in terms of efficacy. Artemisia annua has a cool nature and can clear heat, cool blood, dispel wind, relieve itching, and prevent heatstroke when used medicinally.
Mugwort, when used medicinally, can regulate qi, promote blood circulation, warm meridians, and alleviate joint coldness and pain. It is also commonly used in the treatment of gynecological diseases in women, with particularly good therapeutic effects. However, Artemisia annua does not have significant therapeutic effects on gynecological diseases.
