African wormwood — known as wilde als in Afrikaans — is one of the most widely used medicinal plants across sub-Saharan Africa. Related to the European wormwood but less toxic, it is used for respiratory infections, fever, malaria, colds, and as a bitter digestive tonic. The aromatic, silvery-leaved shrub is found in traditional medicine cabinets from the Cape to Kenya, used as steam inhalation for sinusitis, drunk as bitter tea for fever, and applied topically for wounds.
leaf, stem
tea, steam inhalation, tincture, poultice
1 tsp dried leaf as tea 2–3x daily; steam inhalation for respiratory use
Safer than European Artemisia absinthium. Avoid in pregnancy — mild emmenagogue. Not for long-term high-dose use.
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