Artemisia argyi, also known as bitter wormwood or mugwort, can be used fresh or dried for medicinal purposes. Despite its bitter taste, it has excellent properties for clearing heat and detoxifying the body. In addition to its medicinal uses, there are many other ways to use it!
[Uses of Artemisia argyi]
Artemisia argyi can be used to make a tea that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It can be consumed as a remedy for toothaches or for patients with wounds.
However, this method is not commonly used. Artemisia argyi is usually mashed and applied topically, as this allows the medicinal properties to immediately reach the affected area and have a stronger effect.
Drinking the tea made from Artemisia argyi will bring out its bitter taste, which may be difficult for most people to swallow. It is especially not recommended for patients with weak spleen and stomach, as it may exacerbate the cooling effect on the body.
In addition to making tea and topical applications, Artemisia argyi can also be used in cold dishes. Remove the roots of the plant, soak it in salt water for a period of time, then add seasoning such as vinegar, chili peppers, and garlic. Boil the Artemisia argyi in hot water and mix it with the prepared seasonings. This will greatly reduce the bitter taste and have a cooling effect, making it popular in the summer.
Artemisia argyi can also be used to make medicinal wine, but it is important to note that the wine used should be pure grain alcohol to avoid any interactions with the medicinal properties. This will also allow the cooling and detoxifying effects of Artemisia argyi to be fully utilized.
[Benefits and Effects of Artemisia argyi]
1. Cooling and pain relief
Cooling the blood and stopping bleeding is one of the important effects of Artemisia argyi. When people experience nosebleeds or bruises and start spitting blood, they can directly crush fresh Artemisia argyi, extract the juice, and mix it with hot water for consumption.
In addition, when treating bruises, it can be combined with Rehmanniae Radix, Paeoniae Radix Rubra, and Angelicae Sinensis Radix to enhance its therapeutic effects.
2. Clearing heat and drying dampness
Artemisia argyi has the ability to clear heat and dry dampness, making it effective in treating various damp-heat conditions in the body. It is particularly useful for symptoms such as diarrhea, burning sensation in the anus, and bloody or white stools, as it can significantly improve these symptoms.
In addition, Artemisia argyi also has a certain therapeutic effect on chronic hepatitis and gallbladder inflammation, but it should be used in combination with Pinelliae Rhizoma, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and Gardeniae Fructus.
[Medicinal Value of Artemisia argyi]
1. Treatment of chronic bronchitis
Artemisia argyi can be used to treat chronic bronchitis. The stems and roots of Artemisia argyi are ground into powder and made into pills with a suitable amount of water, and then coated with a layer of stone armor on the surface.
Take 1 gram each time, three times a day, preferably after meals. However, a small number of patients may experience side effects after taking it, such as bloating, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness.
2. Treatment of infantile eczema
In addition, Artemisia argyi is the most effective in treating infantile eczema and allergies. Children with a yang constitution are most suitable for using Artemisia argyi.
The method is also simple. Take some fresh Artemisia argyi, boil it in water, and then soak the affected area in the bath. During the bath, use the boiled Artemisia argyi leaves to scrub the affected area. After the bath, do not rinse with clean water, but dry it with a towel to allow the medicinal properties to be fully absorbed.
