Can You Take Iron and Sweet Wormwood Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

Sweet Wormwood (Qing Hao) contains artemisinin, which reacts with iron to produce free radicals. Combining with iron supplements may increase oxidative stress.

How to arrange timing

Separate Sweet Wormwood and iron supplements by at least 4 hours to avoid pro-oxidant interactions.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Meshnick SR. Int J Parasitol. 2002;32(13):1655-1660

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.