道地蕲艾

Authentic Qichun mugwort

“Daodi” (道地) marks a medicinal plant grown in its historically recognized original region — the authentic, highest-quality source. Here’s the evidence for Qichun mugwort (“Qi Ai”).

A. Physical characteristics 物理性状

A labeled mugwort-leaf illustration connects the plant’s physical traits to its associated medicinal properties:

Physical traits

• Tall, vigorous plants
• Thick, fleshy leaves
• Densely covered in fine white down
• High moxa-wool (floss) yield
• High essential-oil yield
• High calorific (burning) value
• Sturdy, robust stems

Associated properties

• Strong penetrating power (in moxibustion)
• Regulates qi and blood
• Expels cold and dampness
• Warms the channels, stops pain
• Dispels pathogenic dampness
• Tonifies yang qi
• Boosts human immunity

Seal on the original illustration: “Qi Ai — Daodi” (蕲艾道地), marking Qichun mugwort as the authentic geographic-origin herb.

B. Physicochemical properties 理化性状

Qi mugwort vs. other mugwort

Research found Qi mugwort’s essential-oil content is 1–2% (1.14–8.69× other mugwort); total flavonoid content is 15–18% (1.78–4.34×); chlorogenic acid content is 0.75–0.85% (3.5–9.3×); and polysaccharide content is 1.03–4.16× other mugwort. These active-compound levels are a key standard for authenticating genuine Qi mugwort.

Qichun-grown vs. the same variety grown elsewhere

Qi mugwort grown in Qichun outperforms the same variety grown elsewhere across every measure — showing that origin (terroir), not just variety, drives quality.