Studies of Moxa (Part10). Areas Where Mugwort Grows (1) / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

During the Edo Period (1603-1867), the main area of production of “moxa” (processed medicinal herbs) was thought to be Omi (present-day Shiga Prefecture). However, extensive research of archives and contemporary documents, as well as field studies in west-central Japan, indicates that moxa wasoriginally produced in Mino (Gifu Pref.) and Omi (Shiga Pref.) in the early Edo Period, but subsequently spread to the Hokuriku region (Fukui, Toyama and Ishikawa prefectures). By the 1830's, production had extended to Echigoin present-day Niigata Prefecture. Evidence also points to producers in Iyo (Ehime Pref.) and Tsukushi (Fukuoka Pref). However, most of the production appears to have been centered on Hokuriku. The main reasons for this may have been as follows <BR>1) Yomogi grasses used in production are abundant in this region.<BR>2) Since moxa was manufactured in the winter, it was easy to find workers in Hokuriku, where heavy snows preclude outdoor employment in this largely agricultual area.