Definition

1. Noun:
   • Mugwort: A type of aromatic plant belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae), specifically Artemisia vulgaris, commonly used in traditional medicine and cuisine.
   • Common sagebrush: Refers to its nature as a common herbaceous plant.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Mẹ tôi thường nấu cháo với lá ngải cứu. (My mother often cooks porridge with mugwort leaves.)
  • Ngải cứu là một vị thuốc nam phổ biến. (Mugwort is a common herbal medicine.)
  • Mùi hương của ngải cứu rất đặc trưng. (The scent of mugwort is very distinctive.)

Advanced Usage

• In Traditional Medicine: Often mentioned in contexts of folk remedies, steaming, or moxibustion.
  • Bà tôi hay đắp ngải cứu để giảm đau khớp. (My grandmother often applies mugwort poultices to reduce joint pain.)
• In Culinary Contexts: Used as a herb in certain traditional dishes.
  • Bánh ngải cứu là một đặc sản của miền quê. (Mugwort cake is a countryside specialty.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cây ngải: A more general or shortened term for the mugwort plant.
• Ngải diệp: Refers specifically to the leaves of the mugwort plant.
• Cứu ngải: An alternative, less common term referencing the same plant.

Synonyms

• Armoise commune: The French botanical term (from the reference context).
• Common wormwood: A related common name in English for similar species, though not an exact synonym.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Đốt ngải cứu: To burn mugwort (often in the context of moxibustion).
  • Phương pháp đốt ngải cứu được sử dụng trong châm cứu. (The method of burning mugwort is used in acupuncture.)
• Xông ngải cứu: To steam with mugwort.
  • Sau sinh, sản phụ thường được xông bằng lá ngải cứu. (After giving birth, mothers are often steamed with mugwort leaves.)

Notes on Different Meanings

The word 'ngải cứu' refers specifically to the plant Artemisia vulgaris. It does not refer to other plants simply called "ngải" (like ngải cứu is distinct from ngải tiên - hedychium). Its primary associations are with traditional medicine, aromatic properties, and occasional culinary use.

1. Mugwort, common sagebrush