Artemisia annua is a commonly used folk medicine for treating injuries. It can be used for anti-inflammatory and analgesic purposes, both internally and externally. However, Artemisia annua is highly toxic, and overdose or accidental ingestion can lead to poisoning. Let's now learn about the efficacy and effects of Artemisia annua.
【Efficacy and Effects of Artemisia annua】
1. Pain relief: Artemisia annua has the ability to dispel wind and dampness, promote blood circulation, and is particularly effective in relieving pain. It is commonly used to treat rheumatism, neuralgia, toothache, bruises, postoperative pain, and cancer pain. It can be taken orally, applied topically with alcohol, or used as an injection.
2. Treatment of ulcers, abscesses, and insect or snake bites: Artemisia annua can counteract toxins, promote blood circulation, and relieve pain. It can be applied topically with alcohol to treat ulcers, abscesses, insect or snake bites, and bee stings.
According to the "Yunnan Herbal Medicine Selection": Artemisia annua has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and can dispel wind and dampness.
According to the "Yunnan Herbal Medicine Selection": "Bitter, warm, highly toxic."
【Preparation of Artemisia annua】
1. Soak Artemisia annua in cold water, changing the water 2-3 times a day, until the numbing and spicy sensation is gone. Then remove and cook with licorice and black beans until the center is white, and then dry it.
2. Soak Artemisia annua in clean water for 7 days, changing the water twice a day. Slice it when the center is soft and translucent, steam it in a steamer for 2-3 hours, then dry it. Alternatively, mix it with hot lard until well-cooked, or wrap it in wet paper and bake it near charcoal fire for a whole day and night, then remove the paper, soak it in a child's urine for a day and night, and finally clean and dry it.
3. Artemisia annua is highly toxic, and should be processed and dosed strictly for internal use. It is not suitable for internal use without processing.
4. Pregnant women, the elderly, children, and patients with heart disease or ulcers should avoid using Artemisia annua.
5. The symptoms of Artemisia annua poisoning mainly include strong stimulation of the vagus nerve, salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, arrhythmia, hypotension, shock, difficulty breathing, or convulsions and coma, which can lead to death due to circulatory and respiratory failure.
【Cultivation of Artemisia annua】
1. Biological characteristics: Artemisia annua commonly grows on shady slopes in alpine grasslands at an altitude of 3000-4000m. It prefers fertile and loose black humus soil for cultivation.
2. Cultivation techniques: Propagation can be done through seeds or root buds. For seed propagation, sow in early May, scatter the seeds, and keep the soil moist. After one year, the seedlings can be transplanted. For root bud propagation, cut the upper third of the root, bury the root bud in the soil with a row spacing of 21cm x 21cm, and a depth of 4-6cm before November or before it snows.
3. Field management: Weeds should be regularly removed during the growth period. To promote good plant growth, organic fertilizer or wood ash can be applied once a year.
