Moxibustion
Traditional Processing of Mugwort
Moxibustion
Traditional Processing of Mugwort
Why is mugwort considered special in Chinese medicine?
- Connects with all twelve meridians in TCM theory.
- Resonates with the sun’s YANG energy.
- Highlighted in classical texts such as Mencius and the Compendium of Materia Medica.
What are the properties and effects of mugwort?
- Bitter, pungent, and warm in nature.
- Enters the spleen, liver, and kidney meridians.
- Used to warm channels, dispel cold and dampness, stop bleeding, ease cough and asthma, and reduce inflammation.
- Commonly used in gynaecology to regulate menstruation and relieve menstrual pain.
- Known by names such as ‘healing herb,’ ‘returning YANG herb,’ and ‘moxa herb.’
How is mugwort used in folklore?
- Hung on doors during the Dragon Boat Festival to ward off insects and evil spirits.
- Used by postpartum women in baths to dispel cold and dampness, aiding recovery.
What are the famous varieties of mugwort in China?
- Qiai – from Qichun in Hubei.
- Chuan’ai – from Zigong in Sichuan.
- Bei’ai – from Nanyang in Henan.
- Hai’ai – from Tiantai Mountain in Zhejiang.
Why is mugwort harvested during the Dragon Boat Festival?
- The festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (usually early June).
- It occurs when YANG energy in nature reaches its peak (known as ‘Double YANG’ day in the lunar calendar).
- Although mugwort matures three times a year, only the crop harvested at the Dragon Boat Festival is used for medicinal purposes.
- Harvesting during this period ensures maximum potency and effectiveness.
How is mugwort cultivated?
- Thrives in sunny, well-drained soil such as grey soil or loess.
- Best grown on land that has been fallow for over 10 years to avoid chemical residues.
- Seedlings are planted with sufficient spacing for adequate sunlight.
- No chemical fertilisers or herbicides; organic or probiotic fertilisers are used.
Why does mugwort need to be aged for three years?
- Three years of storage allows its intense properties to mellow.
- Burning becomes gentler and more effective for moxibustion.
- The process enables better absorption through the skin.
- Prevents irritation and excessive heat that fresh mugwort may cause.
How is moxa traditionally prepared?
- Leaves are pounded rather than ground to preserve fibres and beneficial compounds.
- Moxa is sifted multiple times to remove impurities while retaining therapeutic quality.
- Wrapped in natural paper such as mulberry or rice paper.
- Glued using rice paste to avoid harmful chemicals during burning.