Compound herbal incense composition, method of making and use thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of herbal moxibustion, in particular to a compound herbal moxibustion composition, a preparation method and application thereof. The present application provides a composition with core functions of lung clearing and throat benefiting by using fat sea, monk fruit and honeysuckle, and with functions of spirit soothing and depression relieving by using flower of Chinese toona, gardenia, and with functions of simulating smoking experience and optimizing sense by using linaloe, tea and borneol, etc. The obtained tobacco substitute highly simulates real cigarette in terms of holding feeling, vision (smoke), basic taste (cooling stimulation, tea taste), and designs pleasant aroma levels, meets the psychological dependence and behavior habits of a person who quits smoking, makes the substitution process more natural, easy to accept and persist, and because the formula directly aims at two core problems of smoker's lung and throat discomfort (using fat sea and monk fruit) and emotional anxiety during the withdrawal period (using flower of Chinese toona and gardenia), reduces the discomfort from the physiological aspect, thereby reducing the physiological craving for tobacco, and is suitable for popularization and application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of herbal aromatherapy technology, specifically to compound herbal aromatherapy compositions, their preparation methods, and applications. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional smoking cessation products, such as nicotine patches and chewing gum, only address physiological dependence, neglecting psychological and behavioral habits. In recent years, some herbal cigarette alternatives have emerged. Patent CN202510707680A provides a type of incense-based moxibustion composed of 12 medicinal herbs. Prepared through processes such as water extraction, alcohol precipitation, and fermentation, the moxibustion threads are made from ginseng, astragalus, and prickly pear, among others. Claiming to be a tobacco alternative, it aims to clear the lungs and relieve coughs, satisfying the psychological dependence of smokers and providing health benefits. It recognizes the need for "treating both medicine and tobacco" and for smoking cessation.

[0003] However, many existing formulas (containing ginseng, astragalus, and ganoderma) tend to be "tonifying and strengthening," while the core discomforts in the early stages of quitting smoking are "dry lungs, itchy throat, and anxiety." Warming and tonifying herbs may exacerbate these symptoms, resulting in a less direct and effective relief of oropharyngeal discomfort. Some fermentation steps in existing manufacturing processes may produce unique fermented flavors that differ significantly from tobacco aromas. Furthermore, there is no specific design for the final burning sensation, smoke smoothness, and aftertaste comfort, leading to a significant gap in experience and a weak sense of substitution. Existing formulas lack sedative and calming ingredients (such as Polygonum multiflorum and Albizia julibrissin) and anxiety-relieving components, lacking targeted formulations for common withdrawal symptoms such as nervous tension and mood swings. Finally, there is no discussion of how to maintain user interest through phased changes in aroma and taste, resulting in a monotonous product experience, rapid loss of novelty, and difficulty in sustaining long-term use as a substitute for tobacco.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a compound herbal aromatherapy and its preparation method to address the technical shortcomings of existing herbal tobacco substitutes, such as low taste simulation, ineffective relief of withdrawal symptoms, and poor long-term use compliance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a compound herbal aromatherapy composition, its preparation method and application. The composition provided by the present invention adopts a three-in-one approach of behavioral simulation, physiological conditioning and sensory optimization to solve the core problem that existing herbal aromatherapy products, when used as tobacco substitutes, generally have a weak sense of substitution and are difficult to satisfy the psychological and physiological dependence of smokers.

[0006] The present invention provides a composition comprising, by weight, the following components:

[0007] Agarwood 3-8 parts, cloves 10-20 parts, chrysanthemum 5-15 parts, tea leaves 5-10 parts, malva nut 10-20 parts, monk fruit 5-15 parts, honeysuckle 8-15 parts, mimosa flower 5-10 parts, gardenia 3-8 parts, borneol 0.5-2 parts, menthol 0.5-2 parts, dried tangerine peel 5-10 parts, licorice root 5-10 parts, and prickly pear 10-20 parts.

[0008] In some embodiments, the components, by weight, include the following:

[0009] Agarwood 5-6 parts, cloves 12-15 parts, chrysanthemum 8-10 parts, tea leaves 7-8 parts, malva nut 15-18 parts, monk fruit 10-12 parts, honeysuckle 12-15 parts, mimosa flower 7-9 parts, gardenia 5-6 parts, borneol 1-1.5 parts, menthol 1-1.5 parts, dried tangerine peel 7-8 parts, licorice root 8-9 parts, and prickly pear 15-18 parts.

[0010] In some embodiments, the tea leaves are green tea or oolong tea.

[0011] In some embodiments, the components, by weight, include the following:

[0012] 5 parts agarwood, 115 parts cloves, 10 parts chrysanthemum, 8 parts green tea, 18 parts malva nut, 12 parts monk fruit, 15 parts honeysuckle, 9 parts mimosa flower, 6 parts gardenia, 1.5 parts borneol, 1.5 parts menthol, 8 parts dried tangerine peel, 9 parts licorice root, and 118 parts prickly pear; or

[0013] 5 parts agarwood, 12 parts cloves, 8 parts chrysanthemum, 7 parts oolong tea, 15 parts malva nut, 10 parts monk fruit, 12 parts honeysuckle, 7 parts mimosa flower, 5 parts gardenia, 1 part borneol, 1 part menthol, 7 parts dried tangerine peel, 8 parts licorice, and 15 parts prickly pear.

[0014] The composition provided by this invention achieves the technical effect of a tobacco substitute through a three-pronged solution of behavioral simulation, physiological modulation, and sensory optimization, including:

[0015] 1. Behavioral Simulation Level: The product strictly mimics the appearance of cigarettes and uses herbs that produce a continuous white smoke and have a unique aroma when burned (such as specific varieties of mugwort and agarwood powder) to simulate the visual and basic taste of smoking. Trace amounts of natural alkaloids (such as tea extract) are added to provide a mild oral stimulation and a refreshing sensation, using healthy, natural ingredients to simulate some of the physiological responses of nicotine.

[0016] 2. Physiological Conditioning: The core treatment principle revolves around "clearing the lungs and soothing the throat, calming the mind and soothing the nerves, and strengthening the spleen and resolving phlegm." For common problems among smokers such as lung heat, dry throat, and excessive phlegm, throat-clearing and lung-moistening herbs are used. For anxiety and irritability during withdrawal, calming and mood-lifting herbs are used to physiologically alleviate withdrawal discomfort and reduce cravings for tobacco.

[0017] 3. Sensory optimization: The product of this invention opens the mouth with a refreshing aroma and cool sensation in the initial stage of combustion, presents a mellow herbal and honey-sweet aroma in the middle stage, and retains a faint medicinal aftertaste in the final stage. It avoids the bitter, astringent, and pungent odors of traditional Chinese medicine, making the entire smoking process comfortable and pleasant in taste, forming a positive experience cycle.

[0018] Compared with existing compositions, the composition provided by the present invention achieves the following effects: it is a safe product without nicotine addiction or lung damage, but it can assist smokers in a smooth transition through both sensory and physiological effects; it can highly simulate the visual, tactile, and basic taste of traditional smoking; it can directly and effectively relieve lung and throat discomfort and withdrawal anxiety caused by smoking; it has a layered aroma and a comfortable taste, which can enhance the user's pleasure and persistence, thereby achieving more accurate technical results.

[0019] The present invention provides a method for preparing the composition, comprising the following steps:

[0020] Step 1: Take the above-mentioned Malva nut, Luo Han Guo, honeysuckle, gardenia, dried tangerine peel and prickly pear, mix, crush and sieve, extract with alcohol and filter to obtain alcohol extract A;

[0021] Step 2: Extract the tea leaves and chrysanthemum flowers with water and filter to obtain extract B;

[0022] Step 3: Take cloves and agarwood separately, and obtain ultrafine powder C by ultra-fine grinding, sieving and mixing the powders;

[0023] Step 4: Take mimosa flowers and licorice, dry them, grind them and sieve them to obtain a coarse powder mixture D;

[0024] Step 5: Take menthol and borneol, mix them, and dissolve them in alcohol to obtain alcohol solution E;

[0025] Step 6: Take the alcohol extract A and the extract B and mix them to obtain a mixture. Add the coarse powder mixture D and the ultrafine powder C to the mixture in sequence and stir to obtain a paste.

[0026] Step 7: Spray the alcohol solution E into the ointment, and obtain the composition after mixing, freeze-drying, and aging.

[0027] In some embodiments, in step 1, the pulverization and sieving uses a 300-500 mesh sieve, and the alcohol extraction includes using a 70%-90% ethanol solution with ultrasonic assistance for 0.5-3 hours, and the alcohol extraction temperature is 40-60°C.

[0028] In step 2, the water extraction temperature is 90~100℃, and the water extraction time is 10~30min.

[0029] In some specific embodiments, in step 1, the pulverization and sieving uses a 400-mesh sieve, and the alcohol extraction includes ultrasonic assisted extraction with a 75% ethanol solution for 1 hour, and the alcohol extraction temperature is 50°C.

[0030] In step 2, the water extraction temperature is 90℃ and the water extraction time is 15 minutes.

[0031] In some embodiments, in step 3, the ultrafine pulverization is performed using a 600-800 mesh sieve;

[0032] In step 4, the drying temperature is 30~45℃, and the pulverizing and sieving process uses a 60~80 mesh sieve.

[0033] In some specific embodiments, in step 3, the ultrafine pulverization is performed using a 600-mesh sieve;

[0034] In step 4, the drying temperature is 45°C, and the pulverizing and sieving process uses an 80-mesh sieve.

[0035] In some embodiments, in step 6, the mixing is performed by stirring at 80-120 rpm;

[0036] In step 7, the mixing temperature is 30~40℃, the aging temperature is 20~30℃, the humidity is 40%~60%, and the time is 48~72h.

[0037] In some specific embodiments, in step 6, the mixing is performed by stirring at 100 rpm;

[0038] In step 7, the mixing temperature is 40°C, the aging temperature is 25°C, the humidity is 50%, and the time is 60 hours.

[0039] This invention provides the use of the described composition or the composition prepared by the described method in the preparation of tobacco substitutes.

[0040] The present invention provides tobacco substitutes, including the compositions described herein or compositions prepared by the methods described herein.

[0041] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0042] 1. This invention provides a composition with Malva nut, Luo Han Guo, and honeysuckle as the core ingredients for clearing the lungs and relieving sore throat, combined with Albizia julibrissin and Gardenia jasminoides for calming the nerves and relieving depression, and incorporating agarwood, tea, and borneol to simulate the smoking experience and optimize sensory perception. The resulting tobacco substitute highly simulates real cigarettes in terms of grip, visual appeal (smoke), and basic taste (cool and stimulating, tea-like sensation), and is designed with pleasant aroma layers to satisfy the psychological dependence and behavioral habits of those quitting smoking, making the substitution process more natural, easier to accept and adhere to. Furthermore, because the formula directly targets the two core problems of smokers—lung and throat discomfort (using Malva nut and Luo Han Guo) and withdrawal anxiety (using Albizia julibrissin and Gardenia jasminoides)—it physiologically alleviates discomfort, thereby reducing the physiological craving for tobacco, making it suitable for widespread application.

[0043] 2. The composition of the present invention uses only natural herbal ingredients and does not contain addictive substances such as nicotine and tar, or clearly harmful substances, thus providing an alternative experience while avoiding health risks.

[0044] 3. The preparation method of the present invention adopts processes such as group extraction and low-temperature molding, which preserves the effective active ingredients well, controls the volatilization of aroma substances properly, and ensures stable physical indicators such as product combustibility and ash coagulation degree. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the product process flow of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 The diagram shows the mouse exposure system. The arrows indicate the flow direction of the aerosol generated by the combustion of conventional cigarettes / the product of this invention. The air filter ensures that the aerosol generated by the combustion of conventional cigarettes / the product of this invention flows at a uniform speed. The air exchanger allows the mice to breathe normally.

[0047] Figure 3 HE staining images of lung tissue from experimental mice are shown. A is the blank control group, B is the product group of this invention, C is the traditional cigarette smoke model group, and D is the traditional cigarette + product intervention group of this invention.

[0048] Figure 4 The image shows HE staining of liver tissue from experimental mice, where A is the blank control group, B is the product group of this invention, C is the traditional cigarette smoke model group, and D is the traditional cigarette + product intervention group of this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] This invention provides a compound herbal aromatherapy composition, its preparation method, and its application. Those skilled in the art can refer to the content of this document and appropriately modify the process parameters to achieve the desired results. It should be particularly noted that all similar substitutions and modifications are obvious to those skilled in the art and are considered to be included in this invention. The methods and applications of this invention have been described through preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can clearly modify or appropriately change and combine the methods and applications described herein without departing from the content, spirit, and scope of this invention to realize and apply the technology of this invention.

[0050] Terminology Explanation:

[0051] 1. Tobacco Dependence Simulation: This refers to the degree to which this product simulates the traditional smoking experience in terms of holding feel, inhalation feel, aroma characteristics, and the sense of ritual.

[0052] 2. Alkaloids: In this invention, alkaloids such as caffeine and theophylline found in natural plants such as tea are mild stimulants used to simulate some of the physiological sensations of nicotine, but are not addictive.

[0053] 3. Guiding and guiding ingredients: These are medicinal materials with strong volatility and good penetrability added to the formula, such as menthol and borneol, which are intended to guide the "medicinal energy" of other effective ingredients to act on the mouth, nose, throat and lungs more quickly.

[0054] Detailed description of the technical solution of this invention:

[0055] (1) Explanation of core formula (parts by weight) and its functions:

[0056] Agarwood (3-8 parts), cloves (10-20 parts), chrysanthemum (5-15 parts), tea leaves (5-10 parts, preferably green tea or oolong tea), malva nut (10-20 parts), monk fruit (5-15 parts), honeysuckle (8-15 parts), mimosa flower (5-10 parts), gardenia (3-8 parts), borneol (0.5-2 parts), menthol (0.5-2 parts), dried tangerine peel (5-10 parts), licorice (5-10 parts), prickly pear (10-20 parts) (The specific ingredient content will be adjusted according to the product's focus when preparing the product).

[0057] Of the above components, agarwood provides a rich, smoky base aroma and a calming effect;

[0058] Chrysanthemums have a pleasant fragrance and can counteract the dryness of smoke.

[0059] Tea provides trace amounts of alkaloids that mimic the feeling of alertness, and its polyphenols also have antioxidant properties;

[0060] Malva nut, monk fruit, and honeysuckle directly target the most common symptoms among smokers, such as dry throat, itchy throat, and sticky phlegm, providing a refreshing and moisturizing effect.

[0061] Albizia flowers relieve depression and calm the mind;

[0062] Gardenia clears the mind and relieves irritability;

[0063] Menthol provides a strong, refreshing sensation, quickly improving oral sensation and guiding the medicinal aroma;

[0064] Dried tangerine peel regulates qi and resolves phlegm;

[0065] Licorice root moistens the lungs and relieves cough, harmonizes the effects of other herbs, and brings a sweet aftertaste.

[0066] Prickly pear adds sweetness and improves shape.

[0067] (2) Preparation process flow (e.g.) Figure 1 (As shown)

[0068] Step 1: Grouping Preprocessing and Extraction

[0069] 1. Grind the following ingredients into ultrafine powder (300-500 mesh): Malva nut, monk fruit, honeysuckle, gardenia, dried tangerine peel, and prickly pear. Then, extract with ultrasonic-assisted extraction using 75% ethanol solution (50 °C, 1 h). Filter to obtain concentrated ethanol extract A.

[0070] 2. Soak the tea leaves and chrysanthemum flowers in hot water (90 °C) for 15 min, filter, and obtain concentrated water extract B.

[0071] 3. Cloves and agarwood are individually ultra-finely pulverized (above 600 mesh) and then mixed to obtain ultra-fine powder C.

[0072] 4. After drying the mimosa flowers and licorice at low temperature (≤45 °C), they are coarsely pulverized (80 mesh) to obtain a coarse powder mixture D.

[0073] 5. Dissolve menthol and borneol in a small amount of edible alcohol to form a solution, and set aside.

[0074] Step 2: Gradient Mixing and Shaping

[0075] 1. Mix the alcohol extract concentrate A and the water extract concentrate B together under low-speed stirring (100 rpm) until homogeneous.

[0076] 2. Add coarse powder mixture D and agarwood ultrafine powder C to the above mixture in sequence, and stir thoroughly to form a homogeneous paste.

[0077] 3. Finally, under low temperature (≤40 °C) conditions, spray the ethanol solution of menthol and borneol into the ointment and mix quickly.

[0078] 4. Use freeze-drying technology to remove water and ethanol from the mixed paste.

[0079] Step 3: Post-curing and packaging

[0080] 1. After molding, the incense sticks are aged for 48-72 hours under constant temperature and humidity (25 °C, RH 50%) conditions to stabilize the components and blend the aroma.

[0081] 2. The dried incense sticks are packaged using standard cigarette paper with a diameter of approximately 7.8 mm and a length of approximately 84 mm. Each stick is individually sealed to prevent the aroma from escaping and to prevent moisture absorption, thus obtaining the finished product of this invention.

[0082] In order to solve the technical problem of 'simulating the smoking experience and assisting in smoking cessation', and given the shortcomings of existing technologies, the following inspired solutions can be obtained by those skilled in the art:

[0083] 1. The specific efficacy combination of the "lung-clearing and throat-soothing core group (Sterculia lychnophora, Siraitia grosvenorii, Lonicera japonica) + calming and mood-lifting group (Albizia julibrissin, Gardenia jasminoides)" is the basis for directly addressing the core physiological discomfort of those quitting smoking.

[0084] 2. A sensory modulation combination of "main aroma components (agarwood, chrysanthemum) + taste-simulating components (tea, menthol, borneol)". This is the key to achieving behavioral substitution and psychological satisfaction.

[0085] 3. A specific preparation process involves "stepwise extraction with alcohol and water, followed by low-temperature fusion of menthol and borneol." This process aims to maximize the retention of the activity of the refreshing and cooling components while avoiding damage from high temperatures.

[0086] This invention employs a "segmented aroma design" process: by controlling the density of the paste in different parts and the gradient distribution of menthol, it achieves a strong cooling sensation and light smoke in the initial stage; a rich herbal aroma with a honey-sweet taste in the middle stage; and a clean aftertaste in the final stage. This significantly enhances the enjoyment and comfort of the smoking experience, combating sensory fatigue.

[0087] This invention strictly limits the molding size (7.8 mm diameter, 84 mm length) and the cigarette paper: the reason is to be infinitely close to the international standard cigarette size, maximize the realistic simulation of the grip and draw resistance, and the special paper can ensure uniform combustion and moderate speed, avoiding flameout or excessively fast combustion.

[0088] Parallel or alternative solutions to this invention:

[0089] Herb substitution: Tea leaves can be replaced with cocoa powder (which also contains alkaloids and provides a different flavor).

[0090] Albizia flowers can be replaced with Polygonum multiflorum vine (also calming, but with a different fragrance).

[0091] Malva nut can be partially replaced with Ophiopogon japonicus (focusing on nourishing yin and moistening the lungs).

[0092] Process substitution: Ultrasonic extraction can be replaced with microwave-assisted extraction (more efficient, but temperature control is required to prevent loss of volatile oils). If an extreme cooling sensation is not desired, menthol can be replaced with natural peppermint ultrafine powder, but the cooling intensity and onset speed will be reduced.

[0093] Key differences: The alternative solutions may differ in their specific efficacy focus, final taste and flavor, production cost or production efficiency, but the core design principle and compatibility framework of "behavioral simulation-physiological conditioning-sensory optimization" remain unchanged.

[0094] The test materials used in this invention are all commercially available products. The invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0095] Example 1

[0096] This embodiment uses a higher ratio in the lung-clearing and throat-soothing and calming and depression-relieving groups, aiming to provide powerful conditioning for users with obvious throat discomfort and strong withdrawal anxiety.

[0097] Simulated experience and aroma group: 5 parts agarwood, 15 parts clove, 10 parts chrysanthemum, and 8 parts green tea.

[0098] The core ingredients for clearing the lungs and relieving sore throat are: 18 parts of Malva nut, 12 parts of Monk fruit, and 15 parts of honeysuckle.

[0099] The calming and mood-lifting auxiliary group consists of 9 parts mimosa flower, 6 parts gardenia, 1.5 parts borneol, and 1.5 parts menthol.

[0100] Spleen-strengthening, phlegm-resolving, and taste-modifying group: 8 parts dried tangerine peel, 9 parts licorice root, and 18 parts prickly pear.

[0101] Brief description of preparation process: The core group of herbs for clearing the lungs and relieving sore throat, as well as the group of herbs for strengthening the spleen and resolving phlegm and improving taste, are ultra-finely pulverized to 400 mesh. They are then extracted with 75% ethanol at 50 °C using ultrasound for 1 hour to obtain concentrated ethanol extract A. Green tea and chrysanthemum are extracted with hot water at 90 °C for 15 minutes to obtain concentrated water extract B. Clove and agarwood are pulverized to 600 mesh and mixed to form ultrafine powder C. Albizia flowers and licorice are dried at 45 °C and then coarsely pulverized to 80 mesh to obtain coarse powder D. Liquids A and B are mixed, and powders D and C are added. The mixture is stirred at 40 °C to form a paste. Finally, an ethanol solution containing dissolved menthol and borneol is sprayed on top, and the mixture is mixed thoroughly. The paste is then extruded at 40 °C and suitable humidity (approximately 7.8 mm in diameter), wrapped in standard cigarette paper, and aged at 25 °C and 50% RH for 60 hours before being individually packaged.

[0102] This embodiment focuses on the "strong cleansing and calming" effect. The design concept is as follows: the formula emphasizes both cleansing and calming effects. The dosage of Malva nut and Luo Han Guo is relatively high to enhance the throat-soothing and saliva-generating effects. The proportion of Albizia julibrissin and Gardenia jasminoides is prominent, aiming to effectively alleviate emotional fluctuations during the withdrawal period. At the same time, the coordination of agarwood and green tea ensures the basic foundation of the simulated experience.

[0103] Example 2

[0104] This embodiment uses the median value of the allocation ratio of each group to achieve a balance between taste, efficacy and simulated experience, making it suitable for most smokers seeking a smooth transition to quitting smoking.

[0105] Simulated experience and aroma group: 6 parts agarwood, 12 parts cloves, 8 parts chrysanthemum, and 7 parts oolong tea.

[0106] The core ingredients for clearing the lungs and soothing the throat are: 15 parts of Malva nut, 10 parts of Monk fruit, and 12 parts of honeysuckle.

[0107] The calming and mood-lifting auxiliary group consists of 7 parts mimosa flower, 5 parts gardenia, 1 part borneol, and 1 part menthol.

[0108] Spleen-strengthening, phlegm-resolving, and taste-modifying group: 7 parts dried tangerine peel, 8 parts licorice root, and 15 parts prickly pear.

[0109] Brief description of the preparation process: The process is the same as in Example 1, with parameters kept consistent. In this example, oolong tea is used instead of tea leaves to provide a mellow flavor different from green tea, demonstrating the substitutability of the formula.

[0110] This embodiment focuses on a "balanced and soothing" effect. The design concept is a classic balanced formula. The combination of lung-clearing and throat-soothing, and nerve-calming and mood-lifting ingredients is moderately potent and meticulously formulated, adhering to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine's "principal, assistant, adjuvant, and guide" principles. The ratio of cloves to agarwood aims to create a long-lasting and stable base aroma in the smoke. The overall design is robust and expected to have broad acceptance.

[0111] Example of effect

[0112] Actual user experience and safety proof of the product of this invention:

[0113] 1. After the product of this invention was manufactured, in order to study the actual experience effect of the product, we recruited 30 volunteers (who smoked 5-15 cigarettes a day and had a smoking history of more than 2 years), divided them into three groups, and signed informed consent forms.

[0114] The following groups were tested separately: Group A (product of this invention, Example 1), Group B (traditional cigarettes), and Group C (pure moxa sticks). A single-blind evaluation was conducted after one week of use. The results are as follows (scores are averages, ranging from 0 to 10; scores closer to 10 indicate better performance):

[0115] Table 1 Comparison of Volunteer Sensory and Efficacy Evaluations

[0116]

[0117] Note: The feel of holding the cigarette is based on the experience of traditional cigarettes. The closer it is to traditional cigarettes, the better the effect. Group B traditional cigarettes are common cigarettes on the market (batch number: GDYC0228); Group C moxa sticks are ordinary moxa sticks sold on Taobao.

[0118] Conclusion: The product of this invention closely resembles traditional cigarettes in terms of grip and visual simulation of smoke, and is significantly superior to moxa sticks. In terms of taste, it achieves a segmented, pleasurable experience; in particular, the initial cooling sensation effectively replaces the spiciness and irritation of traditional tobacco, while the mellow and sweet sensation in the middle and later stages avoids the bitterness of traditional cigarettes and the burnt taste of moxa sticks. Regarding physiological regulation, it is significantly more effective than traditional cigarettes and moxa sticks in relieving dry throat and anxiety, and can effectively reduce cravings for cigarettes.

[0119] 2. After the product of this invention was manufactured, we conducted a systematic safety experiment to study its safety:

[0120] 1. Experimental Protocol Overview: This protocol aims to construct an in vivo research model integrating "safety assessment" and "efficacy verification." Through a series of controlled experiments, mouse behavior, physiological function, and key organ sections will be observed to comprehensively evaluate the product's safety and its potential restorative effect on smoking cessation-related lung / liver damage.

[0121] 2. Experimental objective:

[0122] Primary objective: To evaluate the toxicity / safety of inhalation of the herbal aromatherapy combustion aerosol of the present invention in mice under subacute exposure conditions.

[0123] Secondary objective: To investigate whether the product of this invention has an intervention or alleviating effect on cigarette smoke-induced acute lung / liver injury in mice, simulating the physiological changes after "smoking replacement" or "assisted smoking cessation".

[0124] 3. Detailed experimental design:

[0125] 1. Laboratory animals and grouping:

[0126] Animals: Male mice (males can avoid the effects of the estrogen cycle).

[0127] Grouping (4 groups in total, 3 parallel animals in each group):

[0128] ① Blank control group: exposed to normal air.

[0129] ②Product group of the present invention: only exposed to the combustion aerosol of the product of the present invention.

[0130] ③ Cigarette smoke exposure model group: exposed only to traditional cigarette smoke.

[0131] ④ Cigarette + Invention Product Intervention Group: Initially, exposure was limited to cigarette smoke; later, exposure was limited to the combustion aerosol of the invention product. (Simulating a scenario where the invention product is used as a transitional smoking cessation aid)

[0132] 2. Test substance and exposure system:

[0133] Traditional cigarettes: Commonly available brands of cigarettes were selected as the source of positive damage.

[0134] This invention relates to herbal aromatherapy: a standard product prepared using the determined formula and process of Example 2 (balanced and soothing type).

[0135] See exposed system Figure 2 .

[0136] 3. Exposure plan:

[0137] Period: Subacute exposure test, 14 consecutive days, 3 times a day, once in the morning, once at noon and once in the evening, one cigarette each time (the same mass of conventional cigarettes and the product of this invention are burned).

[0138] Single exposure: Each exposure lasted for the time it took for each cigarette / product of this invention to burn completely. All groups underwent combustion exposure using the same mass of conventional cigarettes or the product itself.

[0139] The product intervention sequence of this invention: The "cigarette + product intervention group" first exposed to cigarettes for 7 days, and then exposed to the product for 7 days.

[0140] 4. Observation indicators and detection methods:

[0141] At the end of the experiment (24 hours after the last exposure), lung / liver tissue pathological examination (HE section staining) was performed on mice in each group.

[0142] 5. Experimental Results:

[0143] HE staining results of mouse lung tissue are shown in the figure. Figure 3 .

[0144] Results analysis: A (blank control group): The lung tissue structure was completely normal: the alveoli were of uniform size, the alveolar septa were thin and clear, there was no alveolar wall thickening, no obvious inflammatory cell infiltration, congestion, edema or structural damage, which is consistent with the morphological characteristics of normal mouse lung tissue.

[0145] B (Product Group of this Invention): The overall lung tissue structure is basically intact, with only very mild alveolar cavity dilation. There is no obvious inflammatory infiltration, alveolar structure destruction or severe septal thickening, and no significant pathological lung damage. This suggests that this treatment alone will not cause significant damage to the lung tissue.

[0146] C (Traditional cigarette smoke model group): Modeling was successful, showing typical changes in cigarette-induced lung injury: the normal alveolar structure was completely disordered, the alveolar size was severely uneven, the alveolar septa were diffusely thickened, and a large number of inflammatory cells were infiltrated in the lung interstitium (the dense blue-purple nuclei in the figure are the infiltrated inflammatory cells), accompanied by obvious lung parenchymal congestion, which is completely consistent with the pathological characteristics of lung injury caused by long-term cigarette exposure.

[0147] D (Traditional cigarettes + intervention group of the present invention): Compared with the damage model group C, the pathological changes were significantly improved: the degree of alveolar structural disorder was significantly reduced, the degree of alveolar septal thickening was greatly reduced, the number of inflammatory cells infiltrating the pulmonary interstitium was significantly reduced, with only mild local congestion and mild alveolar size asymmetry remaining. The overall lung tissue morphology was far better than that of the model group and approached the normal level.

[0148] HE staining images of mouse lung tissue are shown below. Figure 4 .

[0149] Results analysis: A (blank control group): The tissue structure was intact and clear, the parenchymal cells were arranged evenly and neatly, the cell morphology was regular, and no pathological changes such as necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, or structural disorder were observed. It was a normal histological manifestation, which was in line with the expectations of the blank group.

[0150] B (Product Group of this Invention): The tissue morphology was not significantly different from that of the blank control group A. The tissue structure was intact, and no obvious toxic damage or pathological changes were observed, indicating that the traditional Chinese medicine moxibustion product would not cause significant toxic damage to mouse tissues under the experimental treatment conditions, and its safety is good.

[0151] C (Traditional cigarette smoke model group): It can be seen that a large area of ​​normal tissue structure has disappeared, and there is a large area of ​​tissue loss / necrosis in the lower left corner. The arrangement of the remaining tissue is also obviously disordered, which proves that traditional cigarette treatment has successfully induced severe tissue damage. The modeling was successful.

[0152] D (Traditional cigarette + intervention group of the present invention): Compared with the severely damaged group C, the large-area necrosis / structural defects have disappeared, with only localized minor abnormal damage. Most of the tissue structures have been restored to completeness, and the cells are arranged neatly, approaching the normal morphology of the blank group and the simple Chinese medicine group. This indicates that the Chinese medicine moxibustion intervention can significantly improve the tissue damage caused by traditional cigarettes.

[0153] Experimental conclusions: 1. Safety verification: Under the experimental conditions, this traditional Chinese medicine moxibustion product did not cause significant pathological damage to the lung tissue of mice, indicating good safety.

[0154] 2. Successful modeling: Traditional cigarette exposure successfully induced severe lung damage (structural destruction, inflammatory infiltration, and interstitial thickening) in mice, which was in line with the experimental design expectations;

[0155] 3. Intervention efficacy: Traditional Chinese medicine moxibustion intervention can significantly alleviate lung tissue damage induced by traditional cigarettes, reduce inflammatory response, improve alveolar structure damage, and has a clear protective / repairing effect on cigarette-induced lung injury. The HE staining results of this study support the intervention efficacy of this product on cigarette-related lung injury.

[0156] Comparative Example

[0157] 1. The initial R&D plan attempted to add ginseng (5 parts) and astragalus (10 parts) to "tonify qi," replacing some of the lung-clearing herbs. However, volunteers reported increased dryness and heat in their mouths, minimal relief of dry throat symptoms, and even mild oral pain in some individuals. This case demonstrates that for smoking cessation aids with "clearing, moisturizing, and calming" as their core function, blindly using warming and tonifying herbs contradicts the core purpose and actually reduces effectiveness.

[0158] 2. During the research and development, we attempted to extract menthol, borneol, and all the medicinal materials together using high-temperature (50°C) ultrasonic extraction. The result was a reduction of over 70% in the product's cooling sensation and a dull aroma. This example demonstrates that highly volatile and heat-sensitive "guide" components (menthol and borneol) must be processed using a low-temperature post-mixing process; otherwise, a significant amount of effective components will be lost, leading to the failure of the "sensory optimization" experiment.

[0159] Example 3

[0160] 1. To determine the optimal combination, we employed an orthogonal experimental design, recruiting 40 volunteers (who smoked an average of 5-15 cigarettes per day for more than 2 years). These volunteers were divided into four groups, and all signed informed consent forms. The effects of different combinations of medicinal herbs were investigated. The results are as follows (the scores are averages, ranging from 0 to 10, with scores closer to 10 indicating better efficacy):

[0161] Table 2 Component Substitution Experiment Table

[0162]

[0163] Experiments show that the three ingredients—Sterculia lychnophora, Siraitia grosvenorii, and Lonicera japonica—are indispensable. Replacing Lonicera japonica with Taraxacum mongolicum introduces an undesirable bitter taste; Ophiopogon japonicus alone nourishes Yin but lacks sufficient clearing power; and Glycyrrhiza uralensis alone, while sweet and moistening, has a weak effect on clearing the throat. The combination of the three ingredients produces a synergistic effect of clearing and moistening the throat, and also has the best taste.

[0164] 2. To obtain the optimal component dosage ratio, we optimized the dosage ratio of the core components using response surface methodology. We recruited 50 volunteers (who smoked 5-15 cigarettes per day and had a smoking history of more than 2 years) and divided them into five groups. They signed informed consent forms (the scores were average, ranging from 0 to 10, with scores closer to 10 indicating better results).

[0165] Table 3. Proportion of Malva nut and Monk fruit dosage

[0166]

[0167] Note: The refreshing effect refers to the comprehensive conditioning effect of clearing heat, moisturizing dryness, resolving phlegm, and promoting bowel movement. The more refreshing it feels, the better the effect. The taste refers to being delicate, mellow, rich, with full and smooth smoke, low irritation, and a clean and comfortable aftertaste. The closer it is to these effects, the better.

[0168] Conclusion: When the weight ratio of Malva nut to monk fruit is approximately 15:10, the refreshing effect and sweetness achieve the optimal balance. Too much monk fruit results in excessive sweetness, masking the herbal aroma; too much Malva nut may negatively impact the taste and texture due to excessive pectin.

[0169] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A composition, characterized in that, By weight, it comprises the following components: Agarwood 5-6 parts, cloves 12-15 parts, chrysanthemum 8-10 parts, tea leaves 7-8 parts, malva nut 15-18 parts, monk fruit 10-12 parts, honeysuckle 12-15 parts, mimosa flower 7-9 parts, gardenia 5-6 parts, borneol 1-1.5 parts, menthol 1-1.5 parts, dried tangerine peel 7-8 parts, licorice root 8-9 parts, and prickly pear 15-18 parts.

2. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tea mentioned is either green tea or oolong tea.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, By weight, it comprises the following components: 5 parts agarwood, 15 parts cloves, 10 parts chrysanthemum, 8 parts green tea, 18 parts malva nut, 12 parts monk fruit, 15 parts honeysuckle, 9 parts mimosa flower, 6 parts gardenia, 1.5 parts borneol, 1.5 parts menthol, 8 parts dried tangerine peel, 9 parts licorice root, and 18 parts prickly pear; or 5 parts agarwood, 12 parts cloves, 8 parts chrysanthemum, 7 parts oolong tea, 15 parts malva nut, 10 parts monk fruit, 12 parts honeysuckle, 7 parts mimosa flower, 5 parts gardenia, 1 part borneol, 1 part menthol, 7 parts dried tangerine peel, 8 parts licorice, and 15 parts prickly pear.

4. A method for preparing the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Take the above-mentioned Malva nut, Luo Han Guo, honeysuckle, gardenia, dried tangerine peel and prickly pear, mix, crush and sieve, extract with alcohol and filter to obtain alcohol extract A; Step 2: Extract the tea leaves and chrysanthemum flowers with water and filter to obtain extract B; Step 3: Take cloves and agarwood separately, and obtain ultrafine powder C by ultra-fine grinding, sieving, and mixing the powders. Step 4: Take mimosa flowers and licorice, dry them, grind them and sieve them to obtain a coarse powder mixture D; Step 5: Take menthol and borneol, mix them, and dissolve them in alcohol to obtain alcohol solution E; Step 6: Take the alcohol extract A and the extract B and mix them to obtain a mixture. Add the coarse powder mixture D and the ultrafine powder C to the mixture in sequence and stir to obtain a paste. Step 7: Spray the alcohol solution E into the ointment, and obtain the composition after mixing, freeze-drying, and aging.

5. The preparation method according to claim 4, characterized in that, In step 1, the pulverization and sieving are performed using a 300-500 mesh sieve, and the alcohol extraction includes using a 70%-90% ethanol solution with ultrasonic assistance for 0.5-3 hours, and the alcohol extraction temperature is 40-60℃. In step 2, the water extraction temperature is 90~100℃, and the water extraction time is 10~30min.

6. The preparation method according to claim 4, characterized in that, In step 3, the ultrafine pulverization is performed using a 600-800 mesh sieve; In step 4, the drying temperature is 30~45℃, and the pulverizing and sieving process uses a 60~80 mesh sieve.

7. The preparation method according to claim 4, characterized in that, In step 6, the mixing is performed by stirring at 80-120 rpm.

8. The preparation method according to claim 4, characterized in that, In step 7, the mixing temperature is 30~40℃, the aging temperature is 20~30℃, the humidity is 40%~60%, and the time is 48~72h.

9. The use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or the composition prepared by any one of claims 4 to 8 in the preparation of tobacco substitutes.

10. A tobacco substitute, characterized in that, The composition includes the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or the composition prepared by the preparation method according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

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