Study of Moxa. (Part 6). Summary of the production method / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

For the production of moxa, Artemisia princeps or Artemisia montana as materials is collected in July-August. Leaves are immediately removed and dried under direct sunlight for 3-4 days. In the factory, thermal drying is performed in a dry room at a temperature of 80-170°C to decrease the water content to 1-2% or less.<br>The dried leaves are roughly broken and ground using a stone mill. For rough shredding, a high speed rotator resembling the thrashing machine for agriculture is mainly used.<br>The entire process of moxa production from collection of the original herb is summarized in the table.<br>The rate of moxa production from collected raw herb is 0.5-0.6% in the highest grade product and 3-8% in the lowest grade product, and there are various grades between them. The rate of moxa production from dried leaves is 3.0-3.5% in the highest grade product and about 20-50% in the lowest grade product.