The Efficacy and Benefits of Soaking Feet in Mugwort Water
Disease description:
I have a friend who experiences stomach pain during her menstrual period and would like to try soaking her feet in mugwort water, but we are unsure whether mugwort has any beneficial effects on the body. Doctor, could you please explain the effectiveness and benefits of soaking feet in mugwort water?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
The benefits and effects of soaking feet in mugwort (Artemisia argyi) water include enhancing immunity, promoting blood circulation, warming the meridians to stop bleeding, dispersing cold to relieve pain, and removing dampness to relieve itching.
1. Enhancing immunity: As a traditional Chinese herb, moderate use of mugwort for foot soaking helps improve immunity and strengthen physical condition.
2. Promoting blood circulation: Soaking feet in mugwort water warms the feet and thereby promotes overall blood circulation, helping relieve physical fatigue and improve microcirculation.
3. Warming meridians and stopping bleeding: Mugwort has the effect of warming the meridians and stopping bleeding. Foot soaking with mugwort can help improve menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhea caused by cold uterus in women.
4. Dispersing cold and relieving pain: Mugwort helps expel cold from the body and can effectively alleviate symptoms such as colds, sneezing, and cold hands and feet caused by wind-cold.
5. Removing dampness and relieving itching: Topical application of mugwort can remove dampness and relieve itching, and may help treat skin conditions such as eczema and scabies on the feet.
Pregnant women should consult their doctors before use to ensure safety. At the same time, when using mugwort for foot soaking, the water temperature and soaking duration should be properly controlled to avoid burns.
