Mugwort

Mugwort, known in Chinese as ài cǎo (艾草), is a fragrant herb traditionally used in East Asian cuisine and medicine. It has deeply lobed, soft green leaves with a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and a distinctive herbal aroma. In cooking, mugwort is often used in rice cakes, dumplings, soups, and herbal teas—especially during festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival. Beyond the kitchen, it’s well-known in Traditional Chinese Medicine and moxibustion therapy for its warming, cleansing properties. Rich in antioxidants and essential oils, mugwort is both a culinary and medicinal herb valued for its unique flavor and healing potential.