Learn to Identify High-Quality Moxa Wool and Moxa Sticks

Moxa wool is made by removing the stems and stalks of mugwort, leaving only the leaves, which are dried, crushed, and sieved to remove impurities.

Pressed moxa wool can be formed into moxa cones, and further processed into moxa sticks, which can also be cut into smaller segments. Moxa wool, cones, and sticks are commonly used in moxibustion.

As the primary raw material for making moxa cones and sticks, the quality of moxa wool directly affects the effectiveness of moxibustion. The quality of moxa wool depends on the age of the mugwort leaves, storage conditions, and processing methods.

High-quality moxa wool is typically produced in low-humidity, dry environments, often during winter, especially in January and February. For household use, it's a good idea to stock up on moxa sticks during this period to prepare for emergencies.

To evaluate the quality of moxa wool, use the "smell, look, and touch" method:

1. Smell
Open the bag and smell the product. If you detect a musty or damp odor, the quality is poor. Poor-quality moxa wool often contains withered, damaged, or moldy leaves, leading to an unpleasant smell. Manufacturers may use low-grade, cheap mugwort to cut costs, resulting in inferior products. High-quality moxa wool should have the characteristic fragrance of mugwort.

2. Look
Examine the appearance of the moxa wool. If you see large stems, stalks, or other impurities (e.g., sand or dirt), it indicates poor processing with insufficient grinding and sieving. Good aged moxa wool should appear yellowish-brown, while bright green moxa wool indicates it has not been aged adequately.

3. Touch
Take a handful of moxa wool and lightly compress it into a ball to feel its texture and moisture level. Low moisture content is better, as highly moist moxa wool is likely made from fresh mugwort. Even if the wool's purity isn't high, fewer impurities are always better.

Comparison Between High-Quality and Low-Quality Moxa Wool

• High-Quality Moxa Wool: Fine texture, low moisture, light yellowish-brown color, distinctive mugwort aroma.
• Low-Quality Moxa Wool: Coarse texture, high moisture, greenish color, unpleasant odor, and visible impurities.

Aged Mugwort with Three Years of Storage Yields the Best Results

The primary ingredient for moxibustion is mugwort, specifically aged mugwort. Fresh mugwort leaves, known as "new mugwort" (harvested within one year), cannot be used to make moxa wool. New mugwort is excessively hot in nature, produces heavy smoke, burns quickly, and generates intense heat, which can easily burn the skin, damage meridians, and deplete vital energy. Mugwort stored for over three years, known as "aged mugwort," is preferred for its mild fire, steady temperature, minimal smoke, strong penetration, and effective heat accumulation.

How Aged Mugwort is Made
Aged mugwort is created by drying and preserving fresh mugwort leaves, allowing natural degradation through exposure to air. This process enhances the therapeutic properties of the mugwort. Pre-made moxa sticks on the market, even after storage, may not qualify as aged moxa due to differences in production techniques. Additionally, mugwort does not improve indefinitely with time; three years of storage is optimal, and pursuing excessive aging is unnecessary.