Family

Asteraceae

Genus

Artemisia

Common Name

Chinese mugwort

Plant Figure

Description

Artemisia argyi, a perennial herb belonging to the family Asteraceae, is widely distributed in China. A. argyi leaves have long been used extensively for a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known as moxibustion. A. argyi leaves have revealed the presence of large amounts of volatile oils that have antihistamine, antifungal and antiviral effects as well as the abilities to eliminate phlegm and relieve asthma and coughing. In addition, dried and ground A. argyi leaves are the original material for moxa floss, which is used for moxibustion as a TCM therapeutic to cure dysmenorrhea, diarrhoea and fatigue, and A. argyi leaf volatile oils play a significant therapeutic role in moxibustion.