Artemisia Annua The History of Qing Hao (Artemisia Annua) In Chinese Medicine, and It's Exciting Potential as a Treatment For Cancer and More.
Qing Hao, also known as Sweet Wormwood or Artemisia Annua, has been used as a medicinal plant in China, and indeed around the world, for thousands of years. The compound Artemisinin, derived from Qing Hao, is well known today, and widely promoted by the World Health Organization for its anti-malarial properties.15 Qing Hao traditionally has many other uses as well. I here present a history of the use of Qing Hao in Chinese medicine, as well as some history of modern studies and uses of Qing Hao based upon these Chinese traditions.
Qing Hao, also known as Sweet Wormwood or Artemisia Annua, has been used as a medicinal plant in China, and indeed around the world, for thousands of years. The compound Artemisinin, derived from Qing Hao, is well known today, and widely promoted by the World Health Organization for its anti-malarial properties.15 Qing Hao traditionally has many other uses as well. I here present a history of the use of Qing Hao in Chinese medicine, as well as some history of modern studies and uses of Qing Hao based upon these Chinese traditions.
FROM EARLIEST MENTIONS TO THE MODERN MATERIA MEDICA
Qing Hao was first mentioned in the earliest known Chinese prescription book entitled The Prescription for Fifty-two Kinds of Diseases. This book, composed of two silk scrolls, was unearthed in 1979 from a Tomb of the Han period (206 BC – 220 AD) at Ma Wang Dui, Hunan Province.1,2 Qing Hao was recorded in this text for treatment of hemorrhoids, and it is not known whether it was used for other purposes at that time. It is not surprising that Qing Hao should be mentioned so far back in Chinese history. Artemisia grows prolifically in China, and indeed around the world, with over 200 species in the genus.11 It is entirely safe to ingest, with no known lethal dosage demonstrated after repeated tests, and is still eaten today in China as a salad green.3,5 With this combination of complete safety and availability, one could conjecture that Qing Hao would be a well known medicinal amongst the ordinary people. Several other species of Artemisia are also used in Chinese medicine, with Yin Chen Hao (A. Scorparia) and Ai Ye (A. Folium) most notable among them.
Qing Hao is next mentioned in the Divine Husbandman’s Classic of the Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao), author unknown, circa AD 25 – 200. This text covers more than 365 medical substances, one for each day of the year, and is still referred to as a source text for information on the modern pharmacopeia of Chinese Medicine.2 Both Dan Bensky in his Materia Medica and Chen and Chen in their Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology mention this text as the original source material for their entries on Qing Hao.4,5
In the third century AD we have the next mention of Qing Hao in Ge Hong’s Emergency Formula’s to Keep Up One’s Sleeve. In chapter 3.16 he mentions Artemisia for the treatment of fevers. Zhen’gou Wan and Ping Chen, in their History and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine translate his entry thus
dip a handful of Qing Hao (Herba Artemisia) into 2 liters of water, extract its juice and drink it.6
Elizabeth Hsu in her History of Qing Hao in Chinese Medicine translates the passage in this manner
Take a bunch of Qing Hao and two Sheng of water for soaking it, wring it out to obtain the juice and ingest it in its entirety.7
It’s interesting to note that there is no mention of heating the water, decocting the herb, or even removing the herb from the water. The mention of the “juice” may suggest that fresh herb should be used, and that the juice itself is what contained the effective medicinal properties of the plant. These instructions, as we will see later, will have a powerful effect upon the lives of many people.
Li ShiZhen (1518-1593) in his Classified Materia Medica was the next person to mention Qing Hao, and is notable for drawing a distinction between the two species of Artemisia that were in use at the time as acceptable versions of Qing Hao. Prior to his publication, Artemisia was often referred to as Cao Hao (Herbal Artemisia). Cao Hao was a term that referred to both Artemisia Annua, and Artemisia Apiacea, the differences of which I shall discuss later. Li Shizhen, who was aware of a botanical distinction made between the species and published five hundred years before his time, listed these two species as separate herbs with somewhat distinct qualities. The yellower Artemisia Apiacea he referred to as Huang Hua Hao and the blue-green Artemisia Annua was referred to as Qing Hao. 7
According to Bensky in his Materia Medica, at least two other texts refer to Qing Hao specifically: The New Compilation of the Materia Medica by Chen Shi-Duo, Chen Yuan-Gong, and Zhu Hua Zi, written in 1694; and Rectification of the Meaning of Materia Medica written in 1914 by Zhang Shan-Lei, and Zhang Shou-Yi.4
BLUE-GREEN OR YELLOW ARTEMISA?
Since the first citation of Qing Hao, two species have been recognized as acceptable versions of the herb (meaning either could be used) Artemisia Annua and Artemisia Apiacea. Artemisia Apiacea is in fact the more “blue-green” of the two, with Artemisia Annua exhibiting yellower tones and flowers, especially in autumn. However, for most of the year, they are apparently indistinguishable, both having blue-green tones.7
The version of Qing Hao currently in use however, is not the blue-green Artemisia Apiacea, but rather, the yellower Artemisia Annua - previously referred to by Li ShiZhen as Huang Hua Cao. Both Bensky and Chen and Chen in their major works on the Chinese pharmacopeia make note that Huang Hua Cao is in fact an alternate pinyin name of the standard species, and E. Hsu makes mention of this as well.4,5,7 Today, Artemisia Annua, formerly referred to as Huang Hua Cao is referred to as Qing Hao (meaning “Blue-green Artemisia”).
THERAPEUTIC USES OF QING HAO IN CHINESE MEDICINE
As we have seen above. The earliest mention of Qing Hao is as a remedy for Hemorrhoids. The text suggests an external application for this condition. In the writings that follow Qing Hao is touted as a treatment for all kinds of fevers; especially post-febrile disease, when heat is still lingering in the body and the Yin has been damaged.
Bensky reproduces an excerpt from the The New Compilation of the Materia Medica, written in 1694, which states that
Qing Hao specifically resolves steaming bones and consumptive heat, and is outstanding for draining the fire of summerheat – but in so draining it does not exhaust the qi or blood. Thus, it is particularly indicated for yin deficient patients who have externally-contracted pathogens.12
Both Bensky and Chen and Chen categorize Qing Hao as an herb that “Clears Heat from Deficiency”. This is a small category of herbs that clears heat that is a manifestation of a deficiency of Yin. Both texts indicate that this herb is exceptional in its ability to clear all kinds of deficient heat without harming the Qi, Blood, or Yin.4,5
Bensky quotes Harm and Benefit in the Materia Medica, written in 1893
Bitter, cold herbs usually cause disharmony in patients with chronic digestive problems, yet the aromatic scent of Qing Hao suits the Spleen, and is beneficial to those with blood deficiency and heat, as it does not disturb the harmony of the middle.13
Both Bensky and Chen and Chen agree that Qing Hao has the following therapeutic actions: clears fevers from deficiency, clears summer heat, cools the blood, and checks malarial disorders. Bensky adds that this herb stops bleeding due to heat in the blood – such as purpuric rashes. While Chen and Chen do not mention this effect, they do suggest that Qing Hao may be used to clear liver heat and to brighten the eyes, and that it may be used to treat damp-heat jaundice, much as its close relative Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia Scoparia) can.4,5 Although Bensky does not list these actions explicitly, in his commentary on Qing Hao he offers a quote from Rectification of the Meaning of Materia Medica which supports the claims of Chen and Chen that Qing Hao clears liver heat and damp-heat jaundice
Its clear aroma seeps through the forehead and therefore brightens the eyes and also disperses wind-heat – it does not only work through its bitter-coldness, clearing and directing downward! Its sprout appears very early (in the spring) so that it receives the qi of spring that commands raising and bringing forth, and thus it enters both the Liver and the Gallbladder channels to clear heat from the blood. The reason that it can treat heat remaining within the bones and joints is that it enters deeply into the blood and dredges constrained fire outward. Its present use for resolving summerheat during the hottest days of the season relies on its bitter coldness to clear heat, as well as its beautifully aromatic and chilling qi, which enables it to awaken the Spleen and Stomach, and regulate damp-heat. When Encountering the Sources of the Classic of Materia Medica observes that it can facilitate the water pathways in a manner that is not dissimilar to Yin Chen Hao, that is correct.14
All texts agree that the herb is most effective when decocted only for a short time, or when juiced and used fresh. The medicinal volatile oils are destroyed by the heating process, and this renders the herb ineffective.
DISCOVERY OF ARTEMISININ AND USE AS AN ANTI-MALARIAL
According to A Brief History of Malaria Chemotherapy in 1967, while embroiled in the Vietnam War, the Chinese began a project, known as Project 523, to eradicate malaria. The concern over malaria was increased by the losses of troops to the disease while stationed in the jungles of South Asia. A major emphasis of the project was the investigation of traditional Chinese herbs for potential malaria medicines. Hundreds of scientists were recruited to undertake the work. Having read Ge Hong’s entry on the use of the fresh Qing Hao soaked in water, they tried this, and found it completely ineffective. The experiment was tried again in the early 1970s with an organic solvent, and this yielded the novel compound artemisinin.8
Artemisinin was then tried on human malaria patients and proved very successful. In large clinical trials artemisinin proved both effective and of low toxicity. Of particular note was that it worked even on chloroquine-resistant strains of the parasite. By 1979 the chemical structure had been discovered, and a full account of the pharmacology was published. In 1981, these publications were seen by Western scientists and verified as correct. China immediately began large scale extraction of artemisinin, and the West would eventually follow suit.8
Today, artemisinin in combination with other drugs, called Artemsinin Combination Therapy, or ACT is the treatment promoted as the world standard by the World Health Organization.15
It seems odd that so many past herbals should mention Qing Hao for fevers and malaria, and that it should prove to be so ineffective when dissolved in water. However, E. Hsu makes note that Ge Hong never says to remove the fresh herb after soaking and wringing it out. She suggests that water breaks down the plant and then allows the artemisinin to be ingested when the plant is consumed whole after soaking. It then moves into the body where it is converted into a water soluble compound that enters the bloodstream.7
TESTING FOR EFFECTIVENESS AGAINST CANCER
Over the last twenty years there have been numerous studies undertaken on various extracts of Qing Hao. One has only to browse Pubmed.gov or other databases of scholarly work on the subject of Qing Hao and Cancer to find multiple studies, many of them yielding remarkable results. Thomas Efferth has published numerous studies in the past ten years that indicate the effectiveness of certain compounds in Qing Hao against many cancer cell lines, including some that are resistant to existent chemo-therapies. Efferth has also found that certain extracts are effective against leukemia.10
I find it interesting that extracts of Qing Hao have been shown to be effective against leukemia, a cancer of the blood whose common symptoms match that of Yin Deficient Heat: night sweats, low-grade fever, and fatigue. Leukemia can also cause low platelet count which leads to the kind of internal bleeding that mimics the kind of bleeding that Bensky suggests Qing Hao can clear – that is Bleeding Due to Heat in the Blood.
CONCLUSION
The use of Qing Hao in Chinese Medicine is a remarkable story, from its humble beginnings as a remedy for hemorrhoids, through its use as a treatment for fevers, including saving the lives of many as a treatment for malaria, and its potential for aiding those with cancer. The low toxicity, even in concentrated extracts is remarkable, and aids its suitability in treatments of the future. As the Chinese found value in returning to their ancient texts for clues to treat malaria, we may also find further benefit from the testing and use of Qing Hao, either in extract or whole.
May All Beings Be Happy,
Craig Swogger, L.Ac
Offering Acupuncture in Santa Monica and Los Angeles
Works Cited
1 The Prescription for Fifty-two Kinds of Diseases. 2003. Photograph. Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China. Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. By Ying Li. 21 Jan. 2010. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Qing_Hao.jpg>.
2 "Tufts EBCAM." Tufts University. Tufts University Medical School, 31 Oct. 2008. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. <http://www.tufts.edu/med/ebcam/eastAsianMed/transmissionThought2.html>.
3 "Artemisia Annua." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. N.p., 7 Nov. 2010. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_annua>.
4 Bensky, Dan, and Andrew Gamble. "Herbs That Clear Heat." Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Seattle: Eastland Pr., 1989. 219-21. Print.
5 Chen, John K., Tina T. Chen, and Laraine Crampton. "Deficiency-Heat Clearing Herbs." Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry, CA: Art of Medicine, 2004. 244-46. Print.
6 Zhenguo, Wang, Chen Ping, and Xie Peiping. "Chapter Five." History and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Beijing: Science, 1999. 139. Print.
7 Hsu, E. "The History of Qing Hao in the Chinese Materia Medica." Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 100.6 (2006): 505-08. Print.
8 Butler, AR, S. Khan, and E. Ferguson. "A Brief History of Malaria Chemotherapy." Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh 40.2 (2010): 172-77. Print.
9 World Health Organization. "WHO Monograph on Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) for Artemisia Annua L." World Health Organization. N.p., 2006. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. <http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/m/abstract/Js14074e/>.
10 National Institute of Health. National Library of Medicine. Artesunate Induces ROS-Mediated Apoptosis in Doxorubicin-Resistant T Leukemia Cells. By Thomas Efferth, Marco Giaisi, Annette Merling, Peter Krammer, and Min Li-Weber. PubMed - Plos One, 1 Aug. 2007. Web. 8 Dec. 2010. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1933253/?tool=pubmed>.
11 "Artemisia (genus)." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. N.p., 9 Oct. 2010. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia (plant)>.
12 Shi-Duo, Chen. The New Compilation of Materia Medica. N.p.: n.p., 1694. Print.
13 Huan, Ling. Harm and Benefit in the Materia Medica. N.p.: n.p., 1893. Print.
14 Shan-Lei, Zhang. Rectification of the Meaning of the Materia Medica. N.p.: n.p., 1914. Print.
15 World Health Organization. "Roll Back Malaria Partnership: Facts on ACTs (Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies)." Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership - the Global Framework for Coordinated Action against Malaria. N.p., Jan. 2006. Web. 09 Dec. 2010. <http://www.rollbackmalaria.org/cmc_upload/0/000/015/364/RBMInfosheet_9.htm>.
Qing Hao was first mentioned in the earliest known Chinese prescription book entitled The Prescription for Fifty-two Kinds of Diseases. This book, composed of two silk scrolls, was unearthed in 1979 from a Tomb of the Han period (206 BC – 220 AD) at Ma Wang Dui, Hunan Province.1,2 Qing Hao was recorded in this text for treatment of hemorrhoids, and it is not known whether it was used for other purposes at that time. It is not surprising that Qing Hao should be mentioned so far back in Chinese history. Artemisia grows prolifically in China, and indeed around the world, with over 200 species in the genus.11 It is entirely safe to ingest, with no known lethal dosage demonstrated after repeated tests, and is still eaten today in China as a salad green.3,5 With this combination of complete safety and availability, one could conjecture that Qing Hao would be a well known medicinal amongst the ordinary people. Several other species of Artemisia are also used in Chinese medicine, with Yin Chen Hao (A. Scorparia) and Ai Ye (A. Folium) most notable among them.
Qing Hao is next mentioned in the Divine Husbandman’s Classic of the Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao), author unknown, circa AD 25 – 200. This text covers more than 365 medical substances, one for each day of the year, and is still referred to as a source text for information on the modern pharmacopeia of Chinese Medicine.2 Both Dan Bensky in his Materia Medica and Chen and Chen in their Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology mention this text as the original source material for their entries on Qing Hao.4,5
In the third century AD we have the next mention of Qing Hao in Ge Hong’s Emergency Formula’s to Keep Up One’s Sleeve. In chapter 3.16 he mentions Artemisia for the treatment of fevers. Zhen’gou Wan and Ping Chen, in their History and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine translate his entry thus
dip a handful of Qing Hao (Herba Artemisia) into 2 liters of water, extract its juice and drink it.6
Elizabeth Hsu in her History of Qing Hao in Chinese Medicine translates the passage in this manner
Take a bunch of Qing Hao and two Sheng of water for soaking it, wring it out to obtain the juice and ingest it in its entirety.7
It’s interesting to note that there is no mention of heating the water, decocting the herb, or even removing the herb from the water. The mention of the “juice” may suggest that fresh herb should be used, and that the juice itself is what contained the effective medicinal properties of the plant. These instructions, as we will see later, will have a powerful effect upon the lives of many people.
Li ShiZhen (1518-1593) in his Classified Materia Medica was the next person to mention Qing Hao, and is notable for drawing a distinction between the two species of Artemisia that were in use at the time as acceptable versions of Qing Hao. Prior to his publication, Artemisia was often referred to as Cao Hao (Herbal Artemisia). Cao Hao was a term that referred to both Artemisia Annua, and Artemisia Apiacea, the differences of which I shall discuss later. Li Shizhen, who was aware of a botanical distinction made between the species and published five hundred years before his time, listed these two species as separate herbs with somewhat distinct qualities. The yellower Artemisia Apiacea he referred to as Huang Hua Hao and the blue-green Artemisia Annua was referred to as Qing Hao. 7
According to Bensky in his Materia Medica, at least two other texts refer to Qing Hao specifically: The New Compilation of the Materia Medica by Chen Shi-Duo, Chen Yuan-Gong, and Zhu Hua Zi, written in 1694; and Rectification of the Meaning of Materia Medica written in 1914 by Zhang Shan-Lei, and Zhang Shou-Yi.4
BLUE-GREEN OR YELLOW ARTEMISA?
Since the first citation of Qing Hao, two species have been recognized as acceptable versions of the herb (meaning either could be used) Artemisia Annua and Artemisia Apiacea. Artemisia Apiacea is in fact the more “blue-green” of the two, with Artemisia Annua exhibiting yellower tones and flowers, especially in autumn. However, for most of the year, they are apparently indistinguishable, both having blue-green tones.7
The version of Qing Hao currently in use however, is not the blue-green Artemisia Apiacea, but rather, the yellower Artemisia Annua - previously referred to by Li ShiZhen as Huang Hua Cao. Both Bensky and Chen and Chen in their major works on the Chinese pharmacopeia make note that Huang Hua Cao is in fact an alternate pinyin name of the standard species, and E. Hsu makes mention of this as well.4,5,7 Today, Artemisia Annua, formerly referred to as Huang Hua Cao is referred to as Qing Hao (meaning “Blue-green Artemisia”).
THERAPEUTIC USES OF QING HAO IN CHINESE MEDICINE
As we have seen above. The earliest mention of Qing Hao is as a remedy for Hemorrhoids. The text suggests an external application for this condition. In the writings that follow Qing Hao is touted as a treatment for all kinds of fevers; especially post-febrile disease, when heat is still lingering in the body and the Yin has been damaged.
Bensky reproduces an excerpt from the The New Compilation of the Materia Medica, written in 1694, which states that
Qing Hao specifically resolves steaming bones and consumptive heat, and is outstanding for draining the fire of summerheat – but in so draining it does not exhaust the qi or blood. Thus, it is particularly indicated for yin deficient patients who have externally-contracted pathogens.12
Both Bensky and Chen and Chen categorize Qing Hao as an herb that “Clears Heat from Deficiency”. This is a small category of herbs that clears heat that is a manifestation of a deficiency of Yin. Both texts indicate that this herb is exceptional in its ability to clear all kinds of deficient heat without harming the Qi, Blood, or Yin.4,5
Bensky quotes Harm and Benefit in the Materia Medica, written in 1893
Bitter, cold herbs usually cause disharmony in patients with chronic digestive problems, yet the aromatic scent of Qing Hao suits the Spleen, and is beneficial to those with blood deficiency and heat, as it does not disturb the harmony of the middle.13
Both Bensky and Chen and Chen agree that Qing Hao has the following therapeutic actions: clears fevers from deficiency, clears summer heat, cools the blood, and checks malarial disorders. Bensky adds that this herb stops bleeding due to heat in the blood – such as purpuric rashes. While Chen and Chen do not mention this effect, they do suggest that Qing Hao may be used to clear liver heat and to brighten the eyes, and that it may be used to treat damp-heat jaundice, much as its close relative Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia Scoparia) can.4,5 Although Bensky does not list these actions explicitly, in his commentary on Qing Hao he offers a quote from Rectification of the Meaning of Materia Medica which supports the claims of Chen and Chen that Qing Hao clears liver heat and damp-heat jaundice
Its clear aroma seeps through the forehead and therefore brightens the eyes and also disperses wind-heat – it does not only work through its bitter-coldness, clearing and directing downward! Its sprout appears very early (in the spring) so that it receives the qi of spring that commands raising and bringing forth, and thus it enters both the Liver and the Gallbladder channels to clear heat from the blood. The reason that it can treat heat remaining within the bones and joints is that it enters deeply into the blood and dredges constrained fire outward. Its present use for resolving summerheat during the hottest days of the season relies on its bitter coldness to clear heat, as well as its beautifully aromatic and chilling qi, which enables it to awaken the Spleen and Stomach, and regulate damp-heat. When Encountering the Sources of the Classic of Materia Medica observes that it can facilitate the water pathways in a manner that is not dissimilar to Yin Chen Hao, that is correct.14
All texts agree that the herb is most effective when decocted only for a short time, or when juiced and used fresh. The medicinal volatile oils are destroyed by the heating process, and this renders the herb ineffective.
DISCOVERY OF ARTEMISININ AND USE AS AN ANTI-MALARIAL
According to A Brief History of Malaria Chemotherapy in 1967, while embroiled in the Vietnam War, the Chinese began a project, known as Project 523, to eradicate malaria. The concern over malaria was increased by the losses of troops to the disease while stationed in the jungles of South Asia. A major emphasis of the project was the investigation of traditional Chinese herbs for potential malaria medicines. Hundreds of scientists were recruited to undertake the work. Having read Ge Hong’s entry on the use of the fresh Qing Hao soaked in water, they tried this, and found it completely ineffective. The experiment was tried again in the early 1970s with an organic solvent, and this yielded the novel compound artemisinin.8
Artemisinin was then tried on human malaria patients and proved very successful. In large clinical trials artemisinin proved both effective and of low toxicity. Of particular note was that it worked even on chloroquine-resistant strains of the parasite. By 1979 the chemical structure had been discovered, and a full account of the pharmacology was published. In 1981, these publications were seen by Western scientists and verified as correct. China immediately began large scale extraction of artemisinin, and the West would eventually follow suit.8
Today, artemisinin in combination with other drugs, called Artemsinin Combination Therapy, or ACT is the treatment promoted as the world standard by the World Health Organization.15
It seems odd that so many past herbals should mention Qing Hao for fevers and malaria, and that it should prove to be so ineffective when dissolved in water. However, E. Hsu makes note that Ge Hong never says to remove the fresh herb after soaking and wringing it out. She suggests that water breaks down the plant and then allows the artemisinin to be ingested when the plant is consumed whole after soaking. It then moves into the body where it is converted into a water soluble compound that enters the bloodstream.7
TESTING FOR EFFECTIVENESS AGAINST CANCER
Over the last twenty years there have been numerous studies undertaken on various extracts of Qing Hao. One has only to browse Pubmed.gov or other databases of scholarly work on the subject of Qing Hao and Cancer to find multiple studies, many of them yielding remarkable results. Thomas Efferth has published numerous studies in the past ten years that indicate the effectiveness of certain compounds in Qing Hao against many cancer cell lines, including some that are resistant to existent chemo-therapies. Efferth has also found that certain extracts are effective against leukemia.10
I find it interesting that extracts of Qing Hao have been shown to be effective against leukemia, a cancer of the blood whose common symptoms match that of Yin Deficient Heat: night sweats, low-grade fever, and fatigue. Leukemia can also cause low platelet count which leads to the kind of internal bleeding that mimics the kind of bleeding that Bensky suggests Qing Hao can clear – that is Bleeding Due to Heat in the Blood.
CONCLUSION
The use of Qing Hao in Chinese Medicine is a remarkable story, from its humble beginnings as a remedy for hemorrhoids, through its use as a treatment for fevers, including saving the lives of many as a treatment for malaria, and its potential for aiding those with cancer. The low toxicity, even in concentrated extracts is remarkable, and aids its suitability in treatments of the future. As the Chinese found value in returning to their ancient texts for clues to treat malaria, we may also find further benefit from the testing and use of Qing Hao, either in extract or whole.
May All Beings Be Happy,
Craig Swogger, L.Ac
Offering Acupuncture in Santa Monica and Los Angeles
Works Cited
1 The Prescription for Fifty-two Kinds of Diseases. 2003. Photograph. Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China. Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. By Ying Li. 21 Jan. 2010. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Qing_Hao.jpg>.
2 "Tufts EBCAM." Tufts University. Tufts University Medical School, 31 Oct. 2008. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. <http://www.tufts.edu/med/ebcam/eastAsianMed/transmissionThought2.html>.
3 "Artemisia Annua." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. N.p., 7 Nov. 2010. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_annua>.
4 Bensky, Dan, and Andrew Gamble. "Herbs That Clear Heat." Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Seattle: Eastland Pr., 1989. 219-21. Print.
5 Chen, John K., Tina T. Chen, and Laraine Crampton. "Deficiency-Heat Clearing Herbs." Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry, CA: Art of Medicine, 2004. 244-46. Print.
6 Zhenguo, Wang, Chen Ping, and Xie Peiping. "Chapter Five." History and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Beijing: Science, 1999. 139. Print.
7 Hsu, E. "The History of Qing Hao in the Chinese Materia Medica." Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 100.6 (2006): 505-08. Print.
8 Butler, AR, S. Khan, and E. Ferguson. "A Brief History of Malaria Chemotherapy." Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh 40.2 (2010): 172-77. Print.
9 World Health Organization. "WHO Monograph on Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) for Artemisia Annua L." World Health Organization. N.p., 2006. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. <http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/m/abstract/Js14074e/>.
10 National Institute of Health. National Library of Medicine. Artesunate Induces ROS-Mediated Apoptosis in Doxorubicin-Resistant T Leukemia Cells. By Thomas Efferth, Marco Giaisi, Annette Merling, Peter Krammer, and Min Li-Weber. PubMed - Plos One, 1 Aug. 2007. Web. 8 Dec. 2010. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1933253/?tool=pubmed>.
11 "Artemisia (genus)." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. N.p., 9 Oct. 2010. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia (plant)>.
12 Shi-Duo, Chen. The New Compilation of Materia Medica. N.p.: n.p., 1694. Print.
13 Huan, Ling. Harm and Benefit in the Materia Medica. N.p.: n.p., 1893. Print.
14 Shan-Lei, Zhang. Rectification of the Meaning of the Materia Medica. N.p.: n.p., 1914. Print.
15 World Health Organization. "Roll Back Malaria Partnership: Facts on ACTs (Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies)." Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership - the Global Framework for Coordinated Action against Malaria. N.p., Jan. 2006. Web. 09 Dec. 2010. <http://www.rollbackmalaria.org/cmc_upload/0/000/015/364/RBMInfosheet_9.htm>.
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