Andean Wormwood (Ajenjo Andino)
Artemisia sodiroi
About Andean Wormwood (Ajenjo Andino)
Andean Wormwood (Ajenjo Andino) (Artemisia sodiroi) is a herb used in the Andean & Incan Medicine tradition to help with Digestive Issues, Liver Support, Fever, and Parasites. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Andean Wormwood (Ajenjo Andino) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Andean Wormwood (Ajenjo Andino) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Andean Wormwood (Ajenjo Andino) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Andean Wormwood (Ajenjo Andino) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Andean Wormwood (Ajenjo Andino) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Use CautionThis herb is processed through the liver, which is already working harder during pregnancy — generally used cautiously and not at high/concentrated doses without guidance. This is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionLiver-processed compounds can appear in breast milk — generally used cautiously and in moderation.
Children
Use CautionA child's liver is still developing its full drug/herb-processing capacity — these herbs are generally used cautiously and at reduced, age-appropriate doses.
As a member of the Asteraceae (ragweed/daisy) family, this herb carries a real chance of cross-reaction in anyone allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies — introduce cautiously if there's a known allergy.
Contraindications
- Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
Warnings
⚠️ Liver Health
Some herbs used for liver conditions can be hepatotoxic at high doses. Have liver function monitored if using long-term.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
Processed by the liver
Watch for: Any medication that is also processed by liver enzymes (ask your pharmacist — this includes many common prescriptions)
Can alter how quickly the body clears certain medications, raising or lowering their effective dose.
Where to find in nature
Native region
Andes Mountains — Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile
Climate
High-altitude tropical
Habitat
Andean highlands (altiplano), cloud forests, and valley farmland of the Andes
🌿 To see Andean Wormwood (Ajenjo Andino) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
- Farmers markets with herb vendors
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Andean Wormwood (Ajenjo Andino), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.