🌿 Āi Yè (艾叶) — Mugwort Leaf
1. Basic Information
| Chinese Name (汉字) | 艾叶 |
|---|---|
| Pinyin | Āi Yè |
| English Name | Mugwort Leaf |
| Pharmaceutical / Latin Name | Folium Artemisiae Argyi |
| Botanical Source | The dried leaves of Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Vant. or related species. |
| Family | Asteraceae (Compositae) |
| Common Names | Chinese Mugwort, Argy Wormwood Leaf |
2. Description
Plant Description: Artemisia argyi is a perennial herb growing up to 1 meter tall, with soft, grey-green leaves covered in fine hairs and a distinct aromatic scent. It thrives in sunny hillsides and along riverbanks throughout China.
Part Used: The dried leaf.
Harvesting & Processing: Leaves are collected before flowering, typically in summer. They are dried in the shade or at low heat to preserve their volatile oils and fragrance. For moxibustion, the leaves are aged and processed into “moxa wool.”
Taste & Nature: Bitter, Acrid, Warm.
Meridians Entered: Liver, Spleen, Kidney.
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Attributes
| Category | Herbs that Stop Bleeding (Hemostatics) |
|---|---|
| Functions (Actions) | Warms the channels, stops bleeding; dispels cold, alleviates pain; calms the fetus; eliminates dampness. |
| Indications (Uses) | Uterine bleeding, menstrual disorders due to cold, abdominal pain, threatened miscarriage, infertility from cold in the womb, cold-damp abdominal pain, eczema and itching when used externally. |
| Contraindications | Contraindicated in cases of blood heat or yin deficiency with heat signs. Use cautiously during pregnancy unless guided by a qualified practitioner. |
Classical References: Mentioned in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as “warming and calming the womb, stopping bleeding and pain.” Widely used in herbal dispensaries and moxibustion therapy for over 2,000 years.
4. Dosage & Administration
- Form: Decoction, powder, topical wash, moxa rolls, moxa cones, tincture.
- Typical Dosage Range: 3–10 grams in decoction; external use as needed.
- Preparation Notes: Often charred (Ai Ye Tan) to enhance its blood-stopping effect. Used raw for warming and dispersing cold.
5. Combinations & Formulas
Common Pairings:
- With Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) to warm the uterus and regulate menstruation.
- With Chuan Xiong and Rou Gui for menstrual pain from cold obstruction.
- With Sheng Di Huang or Ce Bai Ye (charred) to stop bleeding without causing stagnation.
Representative Formula:
- Formula Name: Jiao Ai Tang (Ass-Hide Gelatin and Mugwort Decoction)
- Purpose: Nourishes blood, stops bleeding, regulates menstruation, calms the fetus.
- Role in Formula: Āi Yè warms the womb and stops bleeding, working synergistically with E Jiao to tonify and stabilize the blood.
Learn more about classical formulas like Xiao Yao San and how they integrate into modern herbal practice.
6. Modern Research & Pharmacology
Active Compounds: Volatile oils (cineole, borneol, thujone), flavonoids, coumarins, and tannins.
Pharmacological Effects:
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic — reduces pain and swelling.
- Hemostatic — helps coagulate blood and control bleeding.
- Antimicrobial — inhibits bacteria and fungi responsible for infections (NCBI Study).
- Antispasmodic — relaxes smooth muscle, easing menstrual cramps.
- Neuroprotective — studied for effects on the nervous system and stress modulation.
Modern Applications: Used in modern herbal inventory systems and moxibustion therapy to warm meridians, regulate immunity, and alleviate chronic pain. Mugwort extracts are also used in topical ointments and supplements for menstrual and skin health.
7. Energetics & Western Herbal Comparison
- Temperature: Warm
- Flavor: Bitter, Acrid
- Organ Affinity: Liver, Spleen, Kidney
- Action Direction: Upward and inward — warms and stabilizes interior cold.
Western Herbal Parallels: Western mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) shares similar warming, emmenagogue, and digestive-stimulating properties. Both are used to enhance circulation and relieve menstrual discomfort.
8. Practical Uses
Applications:
- Warm decoction for menstrual cramps and uterine cold.
- Topical wash for eczema, itching, or damp skin lesions.
- Moxibustion therapy for cold joints, infertility, or breech presentation.
Preparation Example:
Boil 10 g of dried Āi Yè leaves in 600 mL of water for 15–20 minutes. Use the warm decoction as a compress over the lower abdomen to relieve cold-type menstrual pain.
Explore how Dispensary Tree’s formula dispensing tools can help practitioners easily create custom herbal formulas that include warming herbs like Ai Ye.
9. Safety Notes
- Use cautiously in individuals with heat signs or yin deficiency.
- Prolonged use may cause dryness or irritability in sensitive individuals.
- Not recommended during heavy menstruation or if blood heat is present.
- External moxibustion should be monitored to prevent burns.
10. External Links & References
✅ Summary
Āi Yè (Mugwort Leaf) is a warming herb that nourishes and stabilizes the blood, dispels cold, and relieves pain. Revered for its role in both internal medicine and moxibustion therapy, it bridges the ancient and modern worlds — promoting balance, warmth, and healing through its gentle yet powerful effects on the body.