African Wormwood Wilde Als - Herbal Liquid Extract Information Page
Identification & General Specifications
| Detail |
Information |
| Botanical Name |
Artemisia afra |
| Family |
Asteraceae |
| Parts Used |
Dried leaves, stems, flowering tops (occasionally roots) |
| Origin |
South Africa |
| Common Names |
African wormwood, Wilde Als, umhlonyane (Xhosa), mhlonyane (Zulu), lengana (Sotho/Tswana), wild wormwood |
| Appearance |
Grayish-green, feathery leaves; aromatic shrub |
| Extraction/Preparation |
Dried herb, infusion/tea, tincture (alcohol), poultice, inhalation |
| Storage |
Store sealed in a cool, dry place out of sunlight and moisture |
Phytochemicals & Active Constituents
| Compound |
Typical Content |
Reported Activity |
| α-thujone |
~53% |
Antimicrobial, caution at high doses |
| β-thujone |
~15% |
Antimicrobial, caution at high doses |
| 1,8-cineole |
~11% |
Anti-inflammatory, decongestant |
| Camphor |
~6% |
Analgesic, antimicrobial |
| Other (minor) |
flavonoids, coumarins, saponins, terpenoids, germacrene, camphene |
Antioxidant, antiviral, tonic |
Key Benefits & Traditional Uses
| Wellness Area |
Traditional/Reported Uses |
| Immune Support |
Relieves symptoms of colds, flu, coughs, sore throat, fever, respiratory issues |
| Digestive Wellness |
Used for indigestion, colic, dyspepsia, appetite loss, diabetes support |
| Antimicrobial & Antioxidant |
Exhibits antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory effects |
| General Wellness |
Traditionally used for malaria, headaches, neuralgia, asthma, sinusitis, rheumatism, blood cleansing, tonic |
| Analgesic & Anti-inflammatory |
Eases muscle, rheumatic, arthritis pain, and skin irritation |
| Other Uses |
Malaria management, gastrointestinal parasites, fever, skin disorders, sedative for CNS, diabetes support |
Preparation Methods & Instructions
| Method |
How to Prepare & Use |
| Infusion (Herbal Tea) |
1–2 tsp dried leaves in 1 cup boiled water; steep 10–15 min, strain, drink warm (1–2 cups daily) |
| Tincture |
Typical: 1–3 ml up to three times daily, diluted in water (dosage per practitioner guidance) |
| Poultice |
Moistened, warmed leaves applied to skin for pain or inflammation |
| Inhalation |
Add leaves to steaming hot water, inhale vapors for sinus/respiratory relief |
| General Dosage |
Do not exceed 3g dry herb/day unless prescribed |
Product Features
| Aspect |
Detail |
| Type |
African wormwood dried herb, herbal tea, tincture (mother tincture) |
| Form |
Premium dried leaves, stems, and flowers |
| Harvest & Processing |
Non-GMO, naturally dried, sustainably harvested |
| Ethnobotanical Origin |
Revered in southern African traditional medicine |
Properties
| Property |
Effect/Activity |
| Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Antiviral |
Fights infections, supports immune system |
| Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic |
Alleviates inflammation and pain |
| Antioxidant |
Protects cells from oxidative stress |
| Sedative, CNS support |
Calms nerves, supports rest |
| Circulatory support |
Promotes blood flow and general detoxification |
Safety & Precautions
| Precaution |
Guideline |
| Pregnancy/Breastfeeding/Infants |
Not recommended |
| Overdose Risk |
Avoid high doses; do not exceed 3g dried herb daily |
| Kidney issues |
Use with caution; consult a practitioner |
| Allergy |
Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae family plants |
| Long-Term Use |
Not advised beyond 4 weeks without practitioner input |
| Medicine Interactions |
Caution if taking epilepsy, heart, or anticoagulant meds |
| Patch Test |
Advised for topical uses (poultice) |
| Storage |
Seal and keep cool, dark, and dry |
| Consult Healthcare Provider |
Always, especially for chronic disease or if using with other medicines |
| Guidance |
[General Safety Herbal Products Page] |
Active Effects (Scientific)
| Effect |
Supporting Evidence |
| Antioxidant/Anti-inflammatory |
Maximum for aqueous leaf extracts |
| Antiviral |
Activity, including against beta-strain coronaviruses (lab-tested) |
| Cytotoxicity |
Low for herbal tea (water-based); safety profile high in standard doses |
| Thujone |
Present, but not hazardous in moderate consumption |
Storage and Shelf Life
| Preparation |
Guideline |
| Dried Leaves/Herb |
Sealed, cool, dark place, away from sun/moisture (max potency) |
| Tincture |
Store tightly closed, cool/dark, away from light; 2–5 years shelf life |
Disclaimer
| Note |
Details |
| Traditional Use |
Based on ethnobotanical, published, and laboratory findings; not an approved medicine |
| No Medical Claims |
Not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease |
| Professional Advice |
Always consult a healthcare professional before use |
| Not a Substitute |
Does not replace medical care or a varied, healthy diet |
| SAHPRA Disclaimer |
Not evaluated by SAHPRA for safety, quality, or intended use |
