Artemisia douglasiana

American Moxa (Artemisia douglasiana )

The American Moxa (Artemisia douglasiana ), also known as Dream herb mugwort or prairie, is a species of the genus Artemisia in the sunflower family ( Asteraceae). It is native to the U.S. and Mexico.

Description

The Moxa grows as a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches heights of growth of up to 180 cm. The growth is upright, bushy and clump -forming. The alternate on the stem arranged leaves are pinnately lobed, the upper side green, and gray to whitish below, the young leaves are lanceolate, the more pronounced sawn lanceolate.

In a total inflorescence number, Rispige part inflorescences are present. In one part of inflorescence are male, female and hermaphrodite flowers.

Occurrence

Artemisia douglasiana comes from North America by the United States to Mexico. Populations are usually encountered in temperate zones on enough rich, moist soils.

Use

In many Native American tribes, the aromatic drug has a similar level of cultural significance such as sagebrush steppe. In addition to the incense, which are designed to keep unwelcome spirits and demons, and sweat baths are popular to counteract colds, fever and headache.

Moxibustion TCM often takes place by means of the so-called burning moxa, which is razor attached to a needle under the skin. An essential part of moxa are various sagebrush species, hence the name " Moxa ".

From the pharmacological point of view is based on the essential oils, many Artemisia species to name their own antiseptic effect.