Artemisia argyi is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family. It has a bitter taste and warm property and is attributed to the spleen, liver, and meridians. It grows throughout the country, with the best quality being produced in Qizhou, Hubei, also known as Qiai. The book "Ben Cao Cong Xin" states that "artemisia leaves are bitter and warm, with a pure yang nature. They can nourish the yang, regulate the twelve meridians, and activate the three yin. They can regulate qi and blood, expel cold and dampness. When used for moxibustion, they can penetrate all meridians and treat various diseases." The "Compendium of Materia Medica" also mentions that artemisia leaves can be used for moxibustion to treat various diseases.
1. Properties and Functions of Artemisia Leaves
Artemisia leaves have a fragrant aroma and a spicy, slightly bitter taste. They have a warm and hot nature and possess the pure yang property. Throughout history, health experts have discussed the functions of artemisia as a moxibustion material, including warming and promoting the circulation of meridians, activating qi and blood, dispelling cold and dampness, and rescuing yang and reversing collapse. Artemisia leaves are rich in fiber (66.85%) and low in water content (8.98%). They also contain many combustible organic substances, such as nitrogenous organic compounds and volatile oils, making them an ideal moxibustion material. Artemisia leaves contain volatile oils (0.02%) and numerous ions (potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, etc., accounting for 8.44%), which have stimulating effects on the central nervous system and antipyretic effects. The volatile oils in artemisia leaves have the functions of relieving asthma, suppressing cough, eliminating phlegm, antibacterial, and anti-allergic effects.
2. Properties and Storage of Artemisia Wool
Artemisia leaves can be processed into artemisia wool, which is easy to shape and has a fragrant aroma. When burned, it produces a moderate heat, strong penetrating power, and deep effects on the internal organs. It has a wide range of applications and is low in price. Therefore, since the Spring and Autumn period, artemisia wool has been the main material used for moxibustion and widely used for health preservation.
Due to the high content of volatile oils in newly produced artemisia wool, it burns too fiercely and is prone to cause burns on the skin. Therefore, artemisia wool must be stored for a period of time to reduce its strong nature. As recorded in "Mencius", "After seven years of illness, seek artemisia for three years." Artemisia wool has a water-absorbing property and is prone to moisture absorption. It should be stored in a cool and dry place and should be sun-dried every year to prevent mold and moth damage.
