What are the benefits of burning mugwort during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Under normal circumstances, burning mugwort (Artemisia argyi) during the COVID-19 pandemic offers several practical benefits, including purifying the air environment, inhibiting bacteria and disinfecting, eliminating turbid odors with its fragrance, dispelling cold and dampness, and relieving physical and mental stress. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. **Purifying the Air Environment**: When burned, mugwort releases a distinctive aroma that can adsorb certain dust particles and impurities in the air, improving indoor air quality. This creates a cleaner living environment and reduces discomfort caused by pollutants.

2. **Inhibiting Bacteria and Disinfection**: Mugwort contains components such as volatile oils that possess antibacterial properties. During moxibustion, these substances disperse throughout the indoor space, helping to suppress certain harmful microorganisms in the air and thereby assisting in reducing infection risks.

3. **Eliminating Turbid Odors with Fragrance**: The scent of mugwort effectively neutralizes musty or stale odors caused by humidity and poor ventilation, especially in enclosed indoor environments. It helps improve air staleness, making indoor air fresher and enhancing overall comfort.

4. **Dispelling Cold and Dampness**: Mugwort is naturally warm in nature. The combination of its warming energy and aromatic vapors produced during burning helps remove dampness from indoor spaces and adds warmth. This can alleviate bodily heaviness and sensitivity to cold that may arise from reduced physical activity and humid conditions during home confinement.

5. **Relieving Mental and Emotional Stress**: During the pandemic, individuals may experience anxiety, irritability, and other emotional disturbances. The natural fragrance of mugwort has mild sedative effects, which can help calm the nervous system, stabilize mood, and reduce psychological stress associated with staying at home.

When burning mugwort, it is important to observe contraindications and precautions—such as controlling the amount and duration of use, ensuring proper indoor ventilation, and avoiding fire hazards—to ensure both safety and effectiveness.