The efficacy and function of Tian Ai

Field mugwort is a relatively common mugwort, which is generally divided into two types. One is the big mugwort, which is not edible. Its main function is to boil water for bathing, remove evil spirits, etc. Another kind is field mugwort, which can be used as food and has certain effects and functions on the human body. For example, it can treat cough and asthma, rheumatism, hypertension, urticaria, edema and many other diseases.

1. Two classifications of Artemisia argyi

Field mugwort can be roughly divided into two categories. One is called big mugwort, which has a special pungent smell and is inedible. It is only used during the Dragon Boat Festival or for pregnant women to boil water for bathing to drive away evil spirits.

The other is field wormwood, also known as white-headed old man, which is a kind of wild grass that grows in the fields after the harvest in winter. It is often picked to make cakes and other pastries for consumption, in order to achieve the effect of warding off evil spirits and driving away cold poison. According to the "Food Materia Medica", Artemisia annua also has the effects of removing dampness, warming the stomach, and cleansing the intestines.

2. The efficacy and function of Tian Ai

Resolves phlegm and relieves cough; dispels wind and dampness; detoxifies. It is mainly used to treat cough, asthma and excessive sputum; rheumatic pain; diarrhea; edema; favism; leucorrhea; carbuncle, furuncle; scrotal itching; urticaria; hypertension.

3. How to make Tian Ai Zuo

This is a specialty snack from western Guangdong, and is made and eaten during festivals. It can usually be seen in Zhanjiang, Maoming and other areas.

Especially in rural areas, on the eve of the "February 2nd" every year, they pound rice flour (usually glutinous rice flour) and prepare field wormwood (the cotton-like substance on the wormwood).

Preparation method: Use the cooked mugwort wool and rice flour to rub into a skin, then wrap it with sugar, papaya shreds, peanuts, coconut shreds, sesame seeds, tangerine peel, and fat to make sweet mugwort. For fragrant ones, use fresh shrimps, raw onions, fresh radish shreds or salted radish shreds with fat, sesame seeds, and peanuts as fillings. Some are made into a round shape with a wooden chisel mold, some are made into a peach shape, and some are made into a half-moon shape with a bowl mouth. They are then wrapped with fresh jackfruit leaves or leaves of a native plant called "Nengmu" and steamed in a wok over high heat. This is both economical and environmentally friendly, and has the fresh fragrance of green leaves. The most delicious is the rice dumpling with a fragrant core and sweet skin.