What are the benefits of soaking feet in mugwort?

Soaking feet in mugwort (ai-cao) water offers various benefits such as promoting circulation of energy through meridians, dispelling cold and dampness, relieving fatigue, improving sleep, and alleviating joint discomfort. By combining warmth with the medicinal properties of mugwort, this practice helps regulate the body and is suitable for daily wellness maintenance in most people. If symptoms such as skin redness, swelling, itching, dizziness, or palpitations occur after foot soaking, medical advice should be sought promptly.

1. Promotes Meridian Circulation: Mugwort is naturally warm in nature. When used for foot soaks, the combination of thermal stimulation and penetration of mugwort components helps unblock meridians in the lower limbs, promotes blood and qi circulation, and improves conditions like coldness and numbness caused by poor meridian flow.

2. Expels Cold and Dampness: Mugwort helps dispel internal cold and dampness. Through absorption via the skin on the feet and the warming effect, it aids in eliminating dampness from the lower limbs, relieving symptoms such as cold feet, soreness, and swelling caused by cold-dampness. This is especially beneficial in humid environments or during autumn and winter seasons.

3. Relieves Fatigue: The heat from the foot soak causes blood vessels in the feet to dilate and accelerates circulation, reducing muscle tension in the lower limbs and alleviating fatigue caused by prolonged walking or standing, allowing the body to relax more easily.

4. Improves Sleep: The warming effect combined with mugwort’s calming properties can help regulate nervous system activity, reduce anxiety and irritability, improve difficulties falling asleep or light sleep, and enhance overall sleep quality.

5. Alleviates Joint Discomfort: For joint aches caused by cold-damp invasion or overuse (such as in lower limb joints), mugwort foot soaks can relieve stiffness and pain by warming the channels, dispelling cold, and enhancing local circulation.

Prior to using mugwort foot soaks, ensure there are no cuts or allergic reactions on the skin. Water temperature should be maintained between 40–45°C, with soaking lasting 15–20 minutes. After soaking, dry the feet thoroughly and keep them warm. Individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat should reduce frequency to avoid worsening symptoms.