Artemisia argyi, also known as Chinese mugwort, is a medicinal plant that promotes blood circulation and reduces swelling. Although the entire plant is toxic, it has high medicinal value and can be used to treat various diseases.
Image of Artemisia argyi
【Effects and Functions of Artemisia argyi】
1. Promotes blood circulation and dispels wind
Artemisia argyi is a pungent and cold herb. Despite its toxicity, it can effectively promote blood circulation and dispel wind. It is particularly effective in treating injuries from falls, rheumatic bone pain, and numbness in the muscles and bones. It can be used as a decoction for internal consumption or applied externally. However, when taken internally, it is important to pay attention to the dosage to avoid poisoning.
2. Reduces swelling and alleviates pain
Artemisia argyi also has the ability to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. It provides relief for toothaches, stomachaches, and menstrual cramps in humans.
In addition, it can be used to treat breast inflammation or painful abscesses, effectively reducing pain and swelling.
【Description of Artemisia argyi】
Artemisia argyi is a perennial herb that grows in Yunnan Province. It reaches a height of 30-100cm and has a short rhizome. The stem is erect with longitudinal grooves and is densely covered with soft hairs above the middle. It branches out and often has infertile branches in the leaf axils.
The leaves are alternate, sessile, and linear in shape, measuring 4-6.5cm in length and 1-2cm in width. They are pinnately lobed on both sides, with a leaf axis about 1.5mm wide. The lobes are elliptical and have small cartilaginous tips. The upper surface is sparsely covered with soft hairs, while the lower surface is densely covered with soft hairs and glandular dots.
The inflorescence consists of multiple heads with compound umbels. The involucre is broadly bell-shaped or hemispherical, with a diameter of 4-6mm. The involucral bracts are arranged in an imbricate manner, with the outer layer being short and ovate-lanceolate in shape, having a midrib, membranous edges, brown color, and a fringed appearance. The receptacle is boat-shaped and carries tubular flowers.
The marginal flowers are female, numbering 6-16, with white or pale pink petals and 3 shallow lobes at the apex. The central and tubular flowers are hermaphroditic, pale yellow or white in color, and compressed with glandular dots. The fruits are slender, elongated, wedge-shaped, and measure 2.5mm in length. They have wings but no pappus. The flowering and fruiting period is from July to September.
