Artificially produced crystals of Artemisia argyi, a plant in the Asteraceae family, are called Artemisia crystals. They are also known as Artemisia brain fragrance, Artemisia powder, or crystallized pieces. They have the medicinal properties of clearing heat, relieving pain, and awakening the mind. They can be used to treat hot mouth sores. Let's learn more about the usage of Artemisia crystals.
【Production Method】
From September to October, Artemisia argyi leaves are heated in a steamer to sublimate them. The resulting crystalline substance is a grayish-white powder called "Artemisia powder". After pressing and removing the oil, it is refined into block-shaped crystals, which are then cut into granules or slices, becoming Artemisia crystals.
【Characteristics of the Medicinal Material】
Artemisia crystals are semi-transparent crystals with a diameter of 5-15 millimeters and a thickness of about 2-3 millimeters. They are white in color. They have a cool and refreshing scent and a strong, spicy and cool taste. When burned, they produce dense black smoke. The best quality is characterized by large size, thinness, cleanliness, crispness, and a clear fragrance. They are mainly produced in Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, and other regions.
The medicinal material is white, semi-transparent, and comes in the form of slices, blocks, or granules. It is slightly hard but brittle and not easily broken when squeezed by hand. It has a refreshing scent and a spicy, cool taste. It is volatile and produces black smoke when ignited, with a yellow flame and no residue left behind.
It is easily soluble in ethanol, chloroform, or ether, but almost insoluble in water.
【Medicinal Value】
Artemisia crystals have the effects of awakening the mind, clearing heat, and relieving pain. They are used for conditions such as fever-induced stupor, convulsions, stroke-induced phlegm convulsion, sudden outburst of stagnant qi, coma due to internal heat, red eyes, mouth sores, sore throat, and purulent discharge from the ear canal.
To treat malaria, high fever, and confusion due to fever, combine 5g of Artemisia crystals and 5g of Rheum officinale, along with 5g of sandalwood or Saussurea lappa. Add 20g of white sugar. Prepare into a powdered form. Take 1.5-3g per dose, 1-2 times a day, with warm water. (From "Selected Compilation of Mongolian Medicine")
【Contraindications】
1. Do not take if experiencing extreme intoxication, anger, shock, or extreme joy, or if fatigued or overeating.
2. Not suitable for individuals with skin allergies.
3. Use Artemisia leaves with caution in individuals with yin deficiency and blood heat. Bitter wine and Cyperus rotundus can be used to alleviate this. It is forbidden for individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, as well as those with pre-existing blood loss conditions.
