Awakening of Insects and Mugwort
Today is Jingzhe, the third of the 24 solar terms. The most well-known custom associated with it is probably the "villain hitting" ritual under Canal Road Flyover. "Zhe" refers to animals hibernating without eating or drinking. Jingzhe signifies the awakening of hibernating animals and all living things by the spring thunder. As the saying goes, "When the spring thunder sounds, all things grow." Since ancient times, Jingzhe has been regarded as the beginning of the new farming year, meaning the earth awakens. Besides the flora and fauna being roused by spring, our bodies also begin to become active.
Pests and bacteria also start to become active. At this time, mugwort can be used to repel insects and purify the air. Burning a mugwort stick for 20 minutes a day helps to disinfect and sterilize, relieve fever and pain, inhibit bacteria and inflammation, balance emotions, and improve sleep. The smoke from burning mugwort may cause eye irritation and sore throat, so caution should be exercised regarding the dosage when using it.
In traditional Chinese medicine, mugwort is often used for moxibustion. Moxibustion is applied to specific acupoints according to the body's needs, helping to stimulate the circulation of qi and blood in the meridians, thereby warming the meridians, dispelling cold, boosting immunity, and strengthening the body's yang energy. Drinking mugwort tea is particularly beneficial for women, as it can improve cold uterus, menstrual pain, and cold hands and feet. Its damp-dispelling properties help alleviate heavy head and body, aching limbs, and physical fatigue.
Mugwort has a pungent and bitter taste, a warm nature, and acts on the liver, spleen, and kidney meridians. It can dispel cold and relieve pain, remove dampness, clear meridians and activate collaterals, and warm meridians to stop bleeding.
Besides being a traditional Chinese medicine, mugwort is also a healthy ingredient used in cooking. After blanching fresh mugwort, it can be cooked with various ingredients. Stir-fried eggs with mugwort and minced meat is also a simple option.
Pests and bacteria also start to become active. At this time, mugwort can be used to repel insects and purify the air. Burning a mugwort stick for 20 minutes a day helps to disinfect and sterilize, relieve fever and pain, inhibit bacteria and inflammation, balance emotions, and improve sleep. The smoke from burning mugwort may cause eye irritation and sore throat, so caution should be exercised regarding the dosage when using it.
In traditional Chinese medicine, mugwort is often used for moxibustion. Moxibustion is applied to specific acupoints according to the body's needs, helping to stimulate the circulation of qi and blood in the meridians, thereby warming the meridians, dispelling cold, boosting immunity, and strengthening the body's yang energy. Drinking mugwort tea is particularly beneficial for women, as it can improve cold uterus, menstrual pain, and cold hands and feet. Its damp-dispelling properties help alleviate heavy head and body, aching limbs, and physical fatigue.
Mugwort has a pungent and bitter taste, a warm nature, and acts on the liver, spleen, and kidney meridians. It can dispel cold and relieve pain, remove dampness, clear meridians and activate collaterals, and warm meridians to stop bleeding.
Besides being a traditional Chinese medicine, mugwort is also a healthy ingredient used in cooking. After blanching fresh mugwort, it can be cooked with various ingredients. Stir-fried eggs with mugwort and minced meat is also a simple option.