One of the species of “Mugwort” (Artemisia argyi) is the herb used for moxibustion in TCM, where the dried herb is ground up into a wool and made into a cigar-shaped stick, or sometimes other applications such as cones, stick-on moxa, on top of ginger, or burned directly on acupuncture needles. Moxibustion is used in these traditional medicine systems and its mechanism of action is still being researched, but it is generally accepted to warm certain points of the body, increasing the blood flow and qi. Moxibustion has been clinically studied for a number of different conditions, such as cancer, stroke, ulcerative colitis, hypertension and constipation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as well Kampo (Japanese) and Korean traditional medicine all have a long history of use of Mugwort. Mugwort (Artemisia spp.) also has a “magical & protective” history of use in medieval times, as well as into today, as it is used as an incense for protection and also as a ‘dream herb’ to induce lucid dreaming. Mugwort may also be used in a smudge stick (the dried leaves bound together), as it was by Native Americans.
As a Westerner, I often muse how we can easily accept when one herb is used across many cultures in a similar manner as a sort of “proof” of its use scientifically; however, when it is used in a similar manner for some energetic, spiritual or concept unfamiliar to us, we cringe.
#incense #moxa #mugwort #medicinalplants #ethnobotany #ethnopharm #spirituality #nativeamericans #TCM #kampo #japan #china #korea