1.
mugwort, Japanese mugwort
An aromatic herb (Artemisia indica) that grows wild throughout Japan. Used in cooking, traditional medicine, and cultural practices.
Usage
A versatile plant deeply connected to Japanese food culture. Most commonly used in 草餅 (grass mochi) and ヨモギ餅 (mugwort mochi), which have a distinctive green color and herbal aroma. Also used in 天ぷら, tea, and traditional moxibustion therapy (灸).
Common collocations
- ヨモギ餅 (mugwort mochi)
- 草餅 (grass mochi — made with mugwort)
- ヨモギ茶 (mugwort tea)
- ヨモギを摘む (pick mugwort)
- ヨモギ蒸し (mugwort steam — a spa treatment)
Writing
Usually written in katakana. The kanji 蓬 exists but is uncommon in everyday use.
Related Words
Related:
草餅 (mugwort rice cake)