Ai Ye | Artemisiae argyi Folium | mugwort leaf
Properties: bitter, acrid, warm and enters spleen, liver and kidney channels.
Known as the Mother Herb in the Middle Ages, this herb has been used for centuries to treat gynecological conditions. This herb has a strong warming effect and an affinity towards the womb.
One of the most common applications of Ai Ye is through moxibustion, and within gynecological care, practitioners will place a moxa box over the lower abdomen/uterus or use a cigar-style moxa stick. This application helps ease menstrual-related pain & cramping. Ai Ye’s warming function helps open the flow of qi and blood, especially in the three yin channels it enters (spleen, liver, and kidney). All three of these channels influence the yoni. Simplistically speaking, the spleen creates the blood with the support of the kidney jing and essence. The liver then stores and regulates the blood. The liver also ensure the smooth flow of qi and qi is considered the mother of blood. If qi is flowing smoothly then blood will follow. When we take this concept and look at common PMS symptomology we often seen emotions (qi) and physical pain such as cramping (stagnation), Ai Ye helps to move the qi which moves the blood and relieves the cramping.
Besides its amazing ability to warm the womb, Ai Ye also dispels cold dampness. When there is dampness, especially in the yoni there is often itching and Ai Ye assists in relieving that. As we often see Chinese herbs work synergistically with other herbs to strengthen their actions. Within our Yoni Wash White formula we see Ai Ye working with Di Fu Zi and Bai Xian Pi to stop itching.
The active constituents include volatile oil, flavones, phenylpropanoids, and terpenes, giving Ai Ye the functions of antibacterial, antiviral, hemostasis, anti-tumor, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation. (PMID: 33164385)
You can find Ai Ye in our Yoni Steam and Yoni Wash • White formulas.