九蒸九晒 (nine times steamed, nine times dried) comes from classical Chinese herbal preparation methods used to transform the nature of an herb or food so it becomes safer, more absorbable, more deeply tonifying and less harsh on digestion. Many of my herbs in my tinctures are prepared this way. It is not common to find this preparation! 

The nine-cycle process unlocks the essence. By the ninth cycle, the sesame becomes warming, deeply tonifying, and gentle on digestion. Steaming and drying nine times isn’t just symbolic— it’s alchemical. Each cycle:
• Breaks down tough fibers and anti-nutrients
• Makes minerals, oils, and Jing-building compounds far more absorbable
• Concentrates the life force of the seed

*Benefits:

Profound Kidney & Liver nourishment. The nine-cycle method allows it to tonify without clogging, which is crucial for long-term use. In Chinese medicine, black sesame enters the Kidney and Liver systems— the organs that govern:

• Aging & longevity
• Hair, teeth, bones, fertility
• Hormonal balance and willpower

Supports Blood, Yin, and Jing. This is why it’s traditionally used for graying hair, postpartum depletion, fatigue, constipation and low vitality. This preparation is famous for:

• Nourishing Blood (dry skin, dizziness, brittle nails)
• Replenishing Yin (dryness, heat signs, night waking)
• Protecting Jing (burnout, overwork, premature aging)

• Lubricating the Intestines (constipation, dry bowels)

Easier on the Spleen & digestion. Raw or improperly prepared sesame can be heavy. Nine-steamed sesame becomes silky, warming, and digestible, allowing nourishment to actually be assimilated.

The addition of black bean is key. Together, sesame + black bean form a classic longevity pairing. Black beans further:
• Strengthen Kidney Qi (aging, hair health, energy, fertility, hormones)
• Support adrenal energy
• Enhance detoxification and water metabolism

Shelf life: 6 months if stored in a cool, dry place. In hot weather, it can be refrigerated.

Ready to eat. Consume 1-2 per day. If you have heat symptoms have 1, if you have a cold Stomach, cold Kidneys, you can have up to 3.

Each container contains about 21 balls

My moxa rolls are made from 100% pure mugwort (Ai Ye, 艾葉) and are of the highest quality. Mugwort has been treasured in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for thousands of years for its ability to warm the meridians, strengthen Yang, promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, dispel Cold, and support the body's natural healing process.

Moxibustion is one of the oldest and most respected therapies in Chinese medicine. In fact, one of the most famous passages from the Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), the foundational text of Traditional Chinese Medicine, states:

"If a disease cannot be treated successfully with acupuncture, it should be treated with moxibustion."

This speaks to the incredible healing power of warmth. Many people today are living in a state of internal cold from stress, overwork, air conditioning, iced drinks, and poor digestion. Moxibustion helps restore the body's internal fire by gently warming the channels and nourishing Yang energy.

It is one of my favorite therapies because it brings deep, penetrating warmth into the body without needles and can easily be incorporated into your wellness routine at home.

Directions

• Use your moxa roll outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, as burning mugwort creates a natural, aromatic smoke.

• Before your first use, unwrap approximately 2-3 inches of paper from one end of the roll.

• Light the exposed end using a lighter until it develops a bright red ember. Gently blow on the ember until it glows evenly.

• Hold the glowing end approximately 1–2 inches above the skin over the acupuncture point or area you wish to warm. Never allow the lit moxa to touch your skin.

• Slowly move the moxa in small circles or hold it over one area until you feel a pleasant, penetrating warmth. If the heat becomes too intense, simply move the roll farther away for a few moments before continuing. If it feels too hot, stop.

• Continue treatment for 5–10 minutes per area, with a maximum of 15 minutes. For best results, use daily or every other day.

Extinguishing Your Moxa Roll

This is the most important step.

Moxa continues to smolder long after the flame is gone and becomes extremely hot during use. Please handle it carefully to avoid burns.

After each treatment, firmly press the lit end into a bowl filled with sand or soil until the ember is completely extinguished and no smoke remains. You may also extinguish the roll with water if preferred. If using water, allow the roll to dry completely before your next treatment.

Always double-check that your moxa roll is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended or storing it. Even a small ember can continue burning unnoticed.

With proper care, each moxa roll can be relit and used for many treatments.