moxa; dried mugwort for moxibustion
Specifically the dried, processed mugwort leaf used as a combustible material in moxibustion (灸). Often sold in cones or sticks.
See also: 灸
When doing moxibustion, you burn moxa on the skin.
Japanese mugwort; Artemisia princeps
The plant itself, a perennial herb native to Japan. Its leaves are used to make moxa, and young leaves are sometimes eaten as a wild vegetable.
See also: よもぎ
Yomogi is the plant that becomes the raw material for moxa.
Kana spelling is common in everyday contexts, especially when the kanji is considered difficult or obscure.
Developed through contraction of 燃え草, “burning herb,” referring to the dried mugwort burned in moxibustion. 艾 is the traditional character for mugwort and moxa.