Can children use Artemisia leaf (mugwort) to wash their feet for treating oral ulcers?
Disease description:
This week, my child has had mouth ulcers. I'm considering using moxa leaves (ai ye) to soak the child's feet. Can washing a child's feet with moxa leaves help treat oral ulcers?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
When children have oral ulcers, washing their feet with Artemisia argyi (mugwort) may be used as an adjunctive treatment. Soaking the feet in Artemisia argyi has effects such as warming the meridians, dispelling cold, promoting blood circulation, and unblocking collaterals, which can improve blood circulation and help alleviate symptoms of oral ulcers such as pain and swelling. Specifically, to use this method, take about 50 grams (approximately a handful) of Artemisia argyi and boil it in water for 10 minutes. After boiling, turn off the heat and allow the water to cool to a comfortable temperature before beginning the foot soak. Continue soaking until the child begins to sweat slightly. After finishing, gently massage the Yongquan acupoint (KID1) on the sole of each foot 50–100 times. This approach may help reduce internal "deficiency fire" or "cold fire," thereby supporting recovery from oral ulcers. It is important to emphasize that Artemisia argyi foot soaks should only serve as a complementary therapy and cannot replace professional medical treatment. Parents should promptly seek medical advice when their child develops oral ulcers and follow a doctor's guidance regarding appropriate medications.
