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1. The prepared leaves of mugwort (Artemisiae Argyi Folium, 艾叶 ài yè), used in the technique of moxibustion, and chosen for this because of their yáng qualities and their use in Chinese medicinal therapy to treat cold and dampness diseases. High-grade moxa is ivory or white in color. Being composed nearly entirely of leaf wool, it is easily shaped and permits formation of small cones; it also produces minimum smoke and odor. Burning gently, it is the preferred moxa for application directly to the skin (direct moxibustion). Moxa that has been cleansed less rigorously, and thus contains higher concentrations of leaf particles, is considered lower grade. Gray or gray-green in color, low-grade (crude) moxa is preferred for indirect moxibustion, a process whereby burning moxa is used to heat, rather than cauterize, the skin. Such applications often require large quantities of moxa wool, while not necessitating the special advantages of the higher-grade product.

2. Colloquially, moxibustion.

Etymology

English: moxa, from Jap. mugusa, from moe kusa, burning herb, mugwort.

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