How is Moxa made?
Moxa is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that is derived from the dried leaves of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). The process of producing moxa involves the following steps, which are illustrated in the accompanying picture:
- Harvesting: Mugwort plants are harvested during late summer or early autumn, when their leaves are fully matured and contain the highest concentration of essential oils.
- Drying: The harvested leaves are then dried in the sun or in a well-ventilated area until they are completely dry.
- Aging: After the drying process, the leaves are stored for several months to allow them to mature and develop their medicinal properties.
- Grinding and sieving: The leaves undergo repeated grinding and sieving to create a high-quality floss-like substance. The purity of the floss is key, as moxa containing leaf debris can produce more irritating smoke when burned.
- Forming: The floss is then compressed into various shapes, such as small sticks.
- Burning: The compressed moxa shapes are ignited and burned near or on specific acupuncture points on the body to provide therapeutic benefits. It is important to distinguish between high-quality and poor-quality moxa to ensure optimal results.
