Manufacturing method of carbonized moxa

Abstract

To provide a manufacturing method of carbonized moxa that produces little smoke and odor and is strong enough to withstand machining.SOLUTION: The method of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing carbonized moxa, comprising the steps of: infiltrating carbonized moxa with a cellulose derivative solution; and drying the liquid-infused moxa. The method can manufacture carbonized moxa that produces little smoke and odor and is strong enough to withstand machining.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing carbonized moxa. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, moxibustion refers to a treatment technique in which moxa (moxibustion) is placed on the skin at a point where acupoints are present, and the heat obtained by burning the moxa stimulates the acupoints, thereby alleviating pain at the corresponding points. Moxibustion is produced by crushing dried mugwort leaves, sieving the resulting hairs from the underside of the leaves, and collecting them. Moxibustion produced in this way has a strong thermal effect and has been used in moxibustion treatments since ancient times.

[0003] However, moxa produced in this manner generates smoke and odor during combustion, making its use undesirable in some treatment environments. In particular, in recent years, household products equipped with moxa and paper mounts have become popular, making moxibustion treatment using moxa easy to perform at home. However, when strong-smelling smoke is generated in a typical home, the smoke odor often adheres to indoor fixtures such as walls, ceilings, and curtains, causing discomfort to residents. In response to this issue, the applicant invented moxa containing carbonized moxa and a method for producing the same, and filed a patent application for the invention. This application was published as Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses an invention and method for producing moxa containing carbonized moxa, characterized by an electrical resistance of 0.5 to 30 Ω. This invention resulted in moxa that ignites easily and produces less smoke and odor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-186552 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although the above inventions provide excellent moxa, there have been cases where the moxa fails to exhibit sufficient strength when combined with a paper base to produce moxa for home use. Generally, moxa with a paper base for home use is produced by gluing a cylindrical piece of uncarbonized moxa covered with paper to the approximate center of a paper base (e.g., 1.4 cm in diameter) as shown in Figure 1. Here, the size of the uncarbonized moxa is generally relatively small, e.g., approximately 4 mm in diameter and approximately 9 mm in height. When carbonized moxa, particularly the moxa disclosed in Patent Document 1, is used to produce such moxa with a paper base, the strength of the carbonized moxa decreases when it is molded into such a small size, making it difficult to produce moxa with a paper base using machinery, etc. Therefore, a solution to the above-mentioned problems was desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of extensive research, the present inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by a specific manufacturing method, and have arrived at the present invention. That is, the present invention provides: [1] A step of infiltrating carbonized moxa with a cellulose derivative solution; and drying the carbonized moxa soaked in the solution; A method for producing moxa, comprising: [2] The manufacturing method according to [1], wherein the solution is an aqueous solution. [3] The production method according to [1], wherein the viscosity average molecular weight of the cellulose derivative is in the range of 20,000 to 100,000. [4] The method according to [1], wherein a 5% by mass aqueous solution of the cellulose derivative has a viscosity of 100 to 1000 mPa·S at 23°C. [5] The method according to [1], wherein the cellulose derivative is carboxymethyl cellulose. [6] The method according to [1], in which the infiltration step and the drying step are repeated two or more times in succession; [7] The manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of removing excess solution from the carbonized moxa that has been infiltrated with the solution between the infiltration step and the drying step. Regarding. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The method of the present invention provides carbonized moxa that exhibits sufficient strength even when reduced in size while maintaining the original characteristics of carbonized moxa, namely, good ignition while suppressing the generation of strong smoke and odor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a photograph showing one form of moxa with a base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] As described above, the method of the present invention comprises: A step of infiltrating the carbonized moxa with a cellulose derivative solution (hereinafter referred to as the "first step"); A step of drying the carbonized mugwort soaked in the liquid (hereinafter referred to as the "second step"); The method for producing carbonized moxa includes the steps of: 1. The method of the present invention will be described in detail below for each step.

[0010] 1. Carbonized moxa as the starting material In the present invention, the "carbonized moxa" used as a starting material refers not only to moxa that has been completely carbonized, but also to moxa that contains uncarbonized moxa. When the total mass of the "uncarbonized moxa" and "carbonized moxa" contained in the carbonized moxa is taken as 100%, the content of "carbonized moxa" is preferably higher, specifically, preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 95% by mass, even more preferably 99% by mass or more, and even more preferably 100% by mass.

[0011] There is no particular limitation on the method for preparing the carbonized moxa described above, and for example, it may be made by forming uncarbonized moxa into a certain shape, such as a disk, a cylinder, a polygonal column, or any other shape, and then carbonizing it, or it may be made into a certain shape such as the above by putting the carbonized moxa into a mold and compressing it. However, in the present invention, the former, particularly carbonized moxa having a certain shape obtained by the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, is more preferable.

[0012] The specific method involves filling a container with uncarbonized moxa (hereinafter referred to as Process A), A step of placing the moxa packed in the container into a heating furnace and heating the furnace until the temperature inside the heating furnace reaches 400 ° C. or higher (hereinafter referred to as "step B"); a step of maintaining the temperature in the furnace in the range of 400 to 1500°C for 1 to 12 hours (hereinafter referred to as "step C"); The method can be produced by a method comprising:

[0013] Step A is a step of filling a container with uncarbonized moxa. The "container" refers to a container that contains uncarbonized moxa in a certain shape and has holes or openings so as not to excessively obstruct the heat supplied from the heating furnace in the step described below. For example, it may be a container with or without a lid, with punched holes on each side of the container. It may also be a container with or without a lid, with the entire surface made of mesh. Even if the container does not have holes in its walls, it may be a container with one open side or two open sides facing horizontally or vertically. By using such a container, uncarbonized moxa can be heated while maintaining a certain shape, and after heating is completed, carbonized moxa can be obtained in a state formed into a certain shape.

[0014] The material of the container is not particularly limited, provided that it does not excessively interfere with the heating of the uncarbonized mugwort in the container and can withstand the heating temperature and time described below. Examples of such materials include metal materials such as iron, steel, and stainless steel, as well as heat-resistant glass and ceramics. The shape of the container is also not particularly limited. For example, it may be a polygonal columnar shape such as a triangular prism, cube, rectangular parallelepiped, or pentagonal prism, or a cylindrical shape.

[0015] The container is filled with uncarbonized moxa. "Uncarbonized moxa" refers to the hairy part on the underside of mugwort leaves, which is obtained by drying and grinding mugwort leaves, and sieving the ground mugwort to recover the product. "Uncarbonized moxa" may contain parts of mugwort other than moxa, such as mesophyll and stems, as well as other additives commonly used in moxa, provided that the effects of the present invention are not excessively hindered. However, it is more preferable to avoid the inclusion of parts other than moxa as much as possible.

[0016] The container is filled with uncarbonized moxa. The amount to be filled can be adjusted appropriately depending on the quality required for the final moxa, the size of the container, and the heating conditions described below. For example, if the volume of moxa filled in the container is 1 cm 3 The amount of moxa per serving (if you use moxa rolled up in a sheet as described below, the volume of the rolled moxa is 1 cm3) 3 The amount (g) of the 3 , more preferably 0.3 to 0.8 g / cm 3 , more preferably 0.4 to 0.6 g / cm 3Specific examples include: By setting the amount of moxa to be filled within the above numerical range, the void ratio of the moxa finally obtained will be higher and the maximum pressure will be smaller, thereby further improving the ignition ability of the carbonized moxa. The amount of moxa per unit volume is a number obtained by dividing the mass of the moxa filled in the container (if the moxa is wrapped in a sheet or the like as described below, the mass of the wrapped moxa) by the volume of the moxa filled in the container (if the moxa is wrapped in a sheet or the like as described below, the volume calculated from the dimensions of the wrapped moxa). Before placing it in the container, uncarbonized moxa may be wrapped or packaged in a sheet, such as paper, that will not have an excessively adverse effect on the carbonized moxa after combustion, and the packaged or wrapped moxa may be filled into the container. The rolled moxa may also be cut into appropriate sizes for use. By pre-packaging or wrapping the uncarbonized moxa in this way, the number of steps required to fill the uncarbonized moxa into a container can be reduced, and manufacturing efficiency can be further improved. After filling the container, if the container has a lid, the lid is closed.

[0017] In step B, the moxa packed in the container is placed in a heating furnace and heated until the temperature inside the furnace reaches 400°C or higher. Any heating furnace can be used in this step, provided that it is capable of carbonizing uncarbonized moxa. For example, a heating furnace capable of heating while reducing the oxygen concentration inside the furnace by supplying a gas other than oxygen, such as nitrogen, into the heating furnace or removing air from the heating furnace is included. A specific example of such a heating furnace is a carbonization furnace. By using a carbonization furnace, uncarbonized moxa can be carbonized more efficiently. Examples of carbonization furnaces that can be used in the method of the present invention include a carbonization furnace manufactured by CYC Corporation (model number CYT1700) and a muffle furnace manufactured by Yamato Chemical Co., Ltd. (model number FP412).

[0018] The container filled with the uncarbonized moxa is placed in a heating furnace and the temperature inside the heating furnace is increased. There are no particular restrictions on how the container is placed in the heating furnace, but for example, when uncarbonized moxa is filled in a container with an opening, it is more preferable to face the opening upward or to face the opening sideways and adjust the distance between the containers so that the opening is not excessively blocked from the viewpoint of heating efficiency.

[0019] Specifically, the temperature is raised to 400°C or higher, preferably 450°C or higher, and more preferably 500°C or higher, as the furnace temperature (when using a carbonization furnace with a double structure including a carbonization chamber for accommodating and heating the material to be carbonized and a heating chamber surrounding the carbonization chamber for heating the carbonization chamber, the temperature inside the heating chamber). During the process of raising the furnace temperature to this temperature, the moisture and volatile components contained in the uncarbonized moxa are evaporated and the oxygen concentration inside the furnace is reduced, allowing the moxa to be carbonized more smoothly in the second step described below. The time required for the temperature increase can be adjusted appropriately based on the condition and amount of uncarbonized moxa packed in the container, the material and size of the container, and other factors, provided that the time is sufficient to evaporate the moisture and volatile components contained in the uncarbonized moxa and reduce the oxygen concentration inside the furnace. Specific examples of the time required for the temperature increase include, for example, preferably 1 to 24 hours, more preferably 2 to 12 hours, and even more preferably 3 to 8 hours. By raising the temperature from room temperature to the above temperature over a period of time, the temperature can be raised while gradually reducing the moisture and impurities contained in the uncarbonized moxa and the oxygen concentration in the furnace, thereby producing carbonized moxa that is easier to light while further reducing the amount of smoke and odor emitted from the final carbonized moxa.

[0020] Step C is a step of maintaining the temperature in the furnace in the range of 400 to 1500°C for 1 to 12 hours. Step C carbonizes uncarbonized moxa to obtain carbonized moxa. The temperature in the furnace is maintained in the range of 400 to 1500°C, preferably 450 to 1500°C, and more preferably 500 to 1500°C. By maintaining such a temperature range, carbonized moxa can be efficiently obtained without burning the uncarbonized moxa to ash. The temperature maintained in step C may be maintained at a constant temperature (e.g., if the temperature is raised to 500°C in step B, it may also be maintained at 500°C in step C), or may be varied within the temperature range (e.g., if the temperature is raised to 500°C in step B, it may be varied within the range of 500 to 1500°C in step C). The time for maintaining the temperature is 1 to 12 hours, preferably 2 to 12 hours, and more preferably 3 to 12 hours. By setting the holding time within the above range, it is possible to more efficiently produce sufficiently carbonized moxa (more specifically, moxa that is 99% by mass or more of carbonized moxa). After holding for the above time, the heating is terminated, the inside of the heating furnace is cooled (by forced cooling or natural cooling), and the carbonized moxa is recovered from the container. For example, the natural cooling time is preferably 48 hours or more. The carbonized moxa recovered from the container is obtained in a shape corresponding to the internal shape of the filled container or the shape when packaged or rolled up.

[0021] 2.First step The first step is to infiltrate the carbonized moxa with a cellulose derivative solution.

[0022] (1) Cellulose derivatives used in the present invention The cellulose derivative used in the present invention can be any commercially available cellulose derivative without any particular limitations. In particular, the cellulose derivative used in the present invention preferably has a viscosity-average molecular weight in the range of 20,000 to 100,000, preferably 30,000 to 90,000, and more preferably 40,000 to 80,000. Having a viscosity-average molecular weight within this range not only facilitates the preparation of a cellulose derivative solution, facilitates the penetration of the cellulose derivative solution into the carbonized moxa, but also provides sufficient strength to the resulting carbonized moxa and effectively suppresses the generation of smoke and odor upon ignition. The viscosity-average molecular weight can be measured using a viscosity method conventionally used to measure the molecular weight of polymers.

[0023] Furthermore, the cellulose derivative used in the present invention preferably has a viscosity of 100 to 1000 mPa·S, preferably 300 to 900 mPa·S, and more preferably 400 to 800 mPa·S, in a 5% by mass aqueous solution at 23°C. Having a viscosity of the cellulose derivative within this range facilitates the preparation of a cellulose derivative solution and the penetration of the cellulose derivative solution into carbonized moxa. Viscosity can be measured using, for example, a dynamic viscoelasticity evaluation device (model MCR302ST) manufactured by Anton Paar Japan Co., Ltd.

[0024] Specific cellulose derivatives that can be used in the present invention include, for example, cellulose ethers such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, benzyl cellulose, trityl cellulose, cyanoethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, and aminoethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, and acetyl cellulose. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, cellulose ethers, particularly carboxymethyl cellulose, are preferred. The use of cellulose ethers, particularly carboxymethyl cellulose, not only makes it easier to prepare a cellulose derivative solution and facilitates the penetration of the cellulose derivative solution into the carbonized moxa, but also provides sufficient strength to the resulting carbonized moxa and reduces the generation of smoke and odor when ignited.

[0025] (2) A solvent that dissolves cellulose derivatives The solvent for dissolving the cellulose derivative can be appropriately selected based on the type and amount of the cellulose derivative used and the specific conditions of the method of the present invention. Specific examples of solvents that can be used include water, alcohols such as ethanol and methanol, acetone, and hexane, and these can be used alone or in combination of two or more. In the present invention, it is more preferable to use water as the solvent in order to minimize the odor of the produced carbonized mugwort.

[0026] (3) Preparation of cellulose derivative solution The cellulose derivative is dissolved in the solvent to prepare a cellulose derivative solution. The concentration of the cellulose derivative can be adjusted appropriately based on the type and amount of the cellulose derivative used, the type and amount of the solvent used, and the specific conditions of the method of the present invention. The specific concentration of the cellulose derivative in the cellulose derivative solution is preferably 1 to 10% by mass, more preferably 2 to 9% by mass, and even more preferably 4 to 7% by mass. By setting the cellulose derivative concentration within this range, the preparation of the cellulose derivative solution becomes easier, and the penetration of the cellulose derivative solution into the carbonized mugwort becomes easier.

[0027] The viscosity of the cellulose derivative solution is preferably adjusted to a range of 100 to 1000 mPa·S, preferably 300 to 900 mPa·S, and more preferably 400 to 800 mPa·S at 23°C. Having the viscosity of the cellulose derivative solution within this range facilitates preparation of the cellulose derivative solution and facilitates penetration of the cellulose derivative solution into the carbonized moxa. Viscosity can be measured using, for example, a dynamic viscoelasticity evaluation device (model MCR302ST) manufactured by Anton Paar Japan Co., Ltd.

[0028] (4) Penetration of cellulose derivative solution into carbonized moxa The cellulose derivative solution prepared as described above is permeated into the carbonized moxa. Any method used for permeating a solid with a liquid can be used as the permeation method. Such methods include immersing the carbonized moxa in the solution, applying it using a spray or a brush, etc. In the method of the present invention, it is more preferable to use the immersion method in order to more reliably permeate the solution into the carbonized moxa.

[0029] Specific methods for the immersion include filling a suitable container with the cellulose derivative solution and immersing the carbonized moxa obtained in the first step in the solution. Depending on the state of the carbonized moxa obtained in the first step, the carbonized moxa may float in the solution, making it difficult to immerse. In such cases, for example, the carbonized moxa may be packed in a mesh, porous bag, or container, and the entire container may be immersed in the solution. Alternatively, the carbonized moxa may be placed in a container filled with the solution and immersed by pressing the carbonized moxa into the solution from above using a mesh or other suitable means. The immersion time for the carbonized moxa can be adjusted appropriately based on the state of the carbonized moxa, the type and amount of cellulose derivative used, the type and amount of solvent used, and the specific conditions of the method of the present invention. The immersion time is preferably 5 to 120 minutes, more preferably 10 to 90 minutes, and even more preferably 15 to 60 minutes. By setting the immersion time within the above range, the solution can be more efficiently penetrated into the carbonized mugwort without excessively reducing production efficiency.

[0030] 3.Second process The second step is drying the carbonized moxa permeated with the liquid. Equipment commonly used in moxa production, such as a dryer, can be used without particular limitations for drying the carbonized moxa. Drying conditions, such as temperature and time, can be adjusted appropriately based on the state of the carbonized moxa, the type and amount of cellulose derivative used, the type and amount of solvent used, and the specific conditions of the method of the present invention. A specific drying temperature is, for example, preferably 60 to 200°C, more preferably 80 to 150°C, and even more preferably 100 to 120°C. A specific drying time is, for example, preferably 30 to 420 minutes, more preferably 60 to 360 minutes, and even more preferably 120 to 300 minutes. By setting the drying conditions within the above ranges, the carbonized moxa can be dried efficiently without excessively reducing production efficiency or causing excessive damage to the carbonized moxa.

[0031] In this manufacturing method, when the mass of the carbonized moxa starting material is taken as 100, the mass of the carbonized moxa dried in the second step is preferably about 105 to 200, more preferably 110 to 180, and even more preferably 120 to 160. By having the mass of the carbonized moxa after drying within this range, a sufficient amount of cellulose derivative can be infiltrated into the carbonized moxa, further improving the strength of the carbonized moxa, while minimizing the amount of components other than moxa contained in the carbonized moxa, and minimizing the generation of smoke and odor when the resulting carbonized moxa is burned.

[0032] Furthermore, if the mass of the carbonized mugwort has not reached the above range after the first and second steps have been performed once, the first and second steps may be repeated consecutively (in other words, the cycle of infiltration and drying) multiple times (for example, about 2 to 3 times).

[0033] Furthermore, between the first and second steps, if necessary, a step of removing excess solution from the carbonized moxa that has been infiltrated with the solution may be carried out. Here, "excess solution" refers to the solution that has not permeated the carbonized moxa and remains on the surface of the carbonized moxa. For example, in the first step, when the carbonized moxa is filled in a container and immersed in the solution as described above, some of the solution may not permeate the carbonized moxa completely and may remain on the surface. This tendency becomes more pronounced as the amount of carbonized moxa filled in the container increases. By removing excess solution remaining on the surface of the carbonized moxa in this way, even when producing carbonized moxa in large quantities, the possibility of carbonized moxa particles adhering to each other in the second step is reduced, and even if the particles adhering to each other can be more easily separated while suppressing damage to the carbonized moxa, allowing the carbonized moxa to be produced with higher production efficiency. Methods for removing excess solution include, for example, applying physical shear to the carbonized moxa, such as centrifugation, or washing the carbonized moxa with a liquid such as water (hereinafter referred to as "washing liquid"). By selecting washing as a method for removing excess solution, carbonized moxa can be produced without excessively reducing production efficiency. As the washing liquid, any liquid used in producing the cellulose derivative solution can be used without any particular restrictions. Specific examples include water, alcohols such as ethanol and methanol, acetone, and hexane, and these can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0034] Any method can be used for washing, provided that it can remove excess solution adhering to the impregnated carbonized moxa. For example, washing can be performed by pouring the washing solution into a container containing the carbonized moxa, or by immersing the carbonized moxa in a mesh, porous bag, or container, along with the container, in the washing solution. The washing time can also be adjusted appropriately depending on the amount of carbonized moxa and the washing method, provided that excess solution adhering to the carbonized moxa is removed and the solution that has permeated the carbonized moxa does not leak excessively. For example, as a specific guideline, when the air and water temperature is 23°C, and 300 g of carbonized moxa is packed into a porous bag or container and then immersed in the solution for washing, the immersion time can be adjusted appropriately between 1 second and 30 minutes. Furthermore, when the immersion time is short, for example, about 1 second to 1 minute, immersion in the washing solution can be performed multiple times. For example, when the immersion time is about 1 second to 1 minute, the cycle of immersion in the cleaning solution and then removal may be repeated preferably 2 to 10 times, more preferably 3 to 7 times. When the cycle of the first step and the second step is performed multiple times as described above, the cleaning step may be performed after each of the first steps.

[0035] 4. Carbonized moxa obtained The present invention allows the production of carbonized moxa treated with a cellulose derivative. The carbonized moxa obtained by the method of the present invention exhibits higher strength than pure carbonized moxa while maintaining as much as possible the inherent advantages of carbonized moxa, such as low smoke and odor generation and easy ignition. These advantages are also exhibited when the carbonized moxa is made into small sizes, specifically when it is made into the small sizes used to produce carbonized moxa with a base. Therefore, it is possible to produce carbonized moxa with a base using a machine or the like, which produces little smoke and odor and is easy to ignite (for example, the time required to ignite is within 10 seconds). The carbonized moxa obtained can be used in the same way as the carbonized moxa traditionally used in acupuncture and moxibustion treatment.

[0036] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, although it goes without saying that the examples do not affect the scope of the present invention. [Example]

[0037] 1. Preparation of carbonized moxa before cellulose derivative treatment Approximately 1.1 g of uncarbonized moxa (manufactured by Yamasho Co., Ltd.) was rolled into a 145 cm x 5.2 cm wrapping paper to a diameter of 5.3 mm. The rolled moxa was sliced ​​into 11 mm rings, yielding cylindrical uncarbonized moxa pieces with a diameter of 5.3 mm and a height of 11 mm. The sliced ​​moxa was stacked and packed into a rectangular stainless steel container with punched holes and an open top. The container filled with uncarbonized moxa was placed in the dry distillation box (carbonization chamber) of a carbonization furnace (model CYT-1700) manufactured by CYC Corporation. While reducing the oxygen concentration in the carbonization chamber, the temperature of the heating chamber (the space surrounding the carbonization chamber for heating it) of the carbonization furnace was increased to 550°C over 4 hours. After increasing the temperature to 550°C, the temperature was maintained for 4 hours. After maintaining the temperature at 550°C for 4 hours, the heating in the carbonization furnace was stopped, and after cooling for 48 hours, the container was removed from the carbonization furnace, and carbonized moxa was obtained from the container.

[0038] 2. Cellulose derivatives used Sunrose APP84 (carboxymethyl cellulose manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.: viscosity average molecular weight 17,000) (hereinafter referred to as "Sample 1") Sunrose F01MC (carboxymethyl cellulose manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.: viscosity average molecular weight 56,500) (hereinafter referred to as "Sample 2") Sunrose F10MC (carboxymethyl cellulose manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.: viscosity average molecular weight 126,000) (hereinafter referred to as "Sample 3") Sunrose F30MC (carboxymethyl cellulose manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.: viscosity average molecular weight 156,300) (hereinafter referred to as "Sample 4")

[0039] 3.Viscosity measurement The viscosity of the above cellulose derivatives was measured using a dynamic viscoelasticity evaluation device (model MCR302ST) manufactured by Anton Paar Japan Co., Ltd. The above cellulose derivatives were diluted with water at the dilution ratios shown in the table below to prepare aqueous solutions of the cellulose derivatives. The surface temperature of the test table in the device was set to 23°C, and the viscosity of each sample was measured. The measurement results are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0040] 4. Production of carbonized moxa by the method of the present invention The carbonized moxa manufacturing method of the present invention was carried out using the prepared diluted solution of cellulose derivative. 15 g of the prepared carbonized moxa was used. Specifically, 500 ml of each of the above cellulose derivative aqueous solutions was added to a 2000 ml container, followed by 15 g of carbonized moxa. Since some of the added carbonized moxa floated on the surface of the cellulose derivative aqueous solution and did not sink, the floating carbonized moxa was forced to sink by pressing down from above with a net or the like (first step). After leaving the carbonized moxa submerged for 30 minutes, it was collected using a sieve. The collected carbonized moxa was dried in a dryer at 110°C for 240 minutes (second step). After measuring the mass after drying, the first and second steps were repeated three times. Table 2 shows the workability when using each cellulose derivative aqueous solution. The evaluation criteria for "soaking workability" and "drying workability" in Table 2 are as follows: [Immersion workability] ○: It is easy to soak carbonized moxa in the cellulose derivative solution and to drain the cellulose derivative solution. △: Carbonized moxa can be immersed in a cellulose derivative solution and the cellulose derivative solution can be drained off. ×: It is impossible to soak carbonized moxa in the cellulose derivative solution and to drain the cellulose derivative solution. [Drying workability] ○: Easy to collect from the drying tray, and even if particles do stick together, they are easy to peel off. △: It is possible to collect the particles from the drying tray, but they stick together, making it difficult to separate them without damaging the carbonized moxa. ×: The dried sample adheres to the drying tray, making it difficult to recover, and the particles frequently adhere to each other, making it impossible to separate the particles without damaging the carbonized mugwort. [Table 2]

[0041] In addition, for the results of each run marked with an "X," the carbonized moxa after drying was stuck to each other or to the tray used for drying, and it was not possible to release the carbonized moxa from the tray or remove it without damaging it, so sample preparation was discontinued halfway through. As shown in the table above, excellent penetration workability and drying workability were obtained.

[0042] 5. Maximum load measurement and hardness evaluation The maximum load was measured for samples that had been immersed and dried up to the third time. The maximum load value was measured 10 times for each sample using an Instron Corporation load cell (model number 500N). In addition, the maximum load value of carbonized mugwort that had not been treated with the cellulose derivative solution was also measured. The average values ​​and evaluation of the hardness of the grains are shown in Table 3 below. The evaluation criteria for the "hardness" column are as follows: ◎: The grains are hard and can withstand mechanical processing. ○: Some degree of hardness is exhibited, but the surface of the particles may be damaged by mechanical processing. △: Harder than untreated, but there is a high possibility that the surface of the grains will be damaged by mechanical processing ×: Hardness is not achieved, and there is a high possibility that the particles will break down due to mechanical processing. [Table 3]

[0043] As shown in the above table, by treating with a cellulose derivative, the maximum load value increased and excellent hardness was obtained.

[0044] 6. Ignition test The ignition ability of samples that could be soaked and dried up to the third time was checked. Specifically, the ease of ignition of each carbonized moxa was measured using moxibustion incense (diameter 2.85 mm, length 135.5 mm: manufactured by Marukyu Incense Manufacturing Honpo) sold by Yamasho Co., Ltd. Specifically, the ignition time of each carbonized moxa (the time until the carbonized moxa turns red at the point of contact with the incense) was measured five times after contacting the carbonized moxa with a lit moxibustion incense. The average values ​​of the measurement results are shown in Table 4 below.

[0045] [Table 4]

[0046] As shown in the table above, excellent ignition performance is demonstrated.

[0047] 7. Smoke generation The generation of smoke was confirmed for samples that were immersed and dried up to the third time. Each sample was ignited and visually checked for the generation of smoke. The evaluation results are shown in Table 5 below. Table 5 also shows the number of samples that were confirmed to generate smoke out of the five samples that were burned. [Table 5]

[0048] As shown in the table above, it was confirmed that smoke generation was suppressed.

[0049] 8. Odor generation The generation of odor was checked for samples that had been soaked and dried three times. A 500ml beaker was placed upside down on a table, and five samples of each type were placed in the beaker and ignited. The odor of the beaker after burning was checked to see if there was any odor other than that generated when carbonized mugwort was burned, specifically, any odor generated when any chemical substance was burned. The evaluation results are shown in Table 6 below. The evaluation criteria for the "Odor Generation" column in the table below are as follows: ○: No odor other than the odor that occurs when carbonized moxa is burned can be detected ×: Any odor other than that emitted when carbonized moxa is burned can be clearly detected.

[0050] [Table 6]

[0051] As shown in the table above, it was confirmed that odor generation was suppressed.

[0052] 10. Confirmation of the effectiveness of the cleaning process during mass production The carbonized moxa prepared as above before treatment with the cellulose derivative was used to carry out the following test.

[0053] (1) Preparation of sample without washing step (Experimental Example 1) 300 g of carbonized mugwort before the treatment was placed in a mesh container and immersed for 30 minutes in a 5% by mass aqueous solution of Sample 2 (first step). After immersion for 30 minutes, the mesh container was removed from the aqueous solution and dried in a drying oven at 110°C for 6 hours (second step), and a sample of Experimental Example 1 was obtained. (2) Preparation of sample (Experimental Example 2) to be washed A sample for Experimental Example 2 was obtained in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1, except that after the first step, a washing step was carried out in which the mesh container was immersed in 100 liters of water for 10 minutes.

[0054] (3) Evaluation The samples of Experimental Examples 1 and 2 were evaluated for drying workability, maximum load measurement and hardness, ignition test, smoke generation, and odor generation. The methods for each test except for drying workability were the same as those described above. Drying workability was evaluated based on the following criteria. ◎: Easy to collect from the drying tray, very little adhesion between particles, easy to peel off even if adhesion occurs, and very little damage to the carbonized moxa occurs when peeling off ○: Easy to collect from the drying tray, little adhesion between grains, easy to peel off even if it occurs, and there is little risk of damage to the carbonized moxa when peeling it off The results of the test are summarized in the table below. [Table 7]

[0055] As summarized in Table 7, the performance of the carbonized moxa obtained by adding the water washing process was found to be comparable to that of the carbonized moxa obtained without the water washing process. Furthermore, when producing carbonized moxa in large quantities as described above, it was found that adding the water washing process can produce carbonized moxa with higher production efficiency. [Industrial Applicability]

[0056] The method of the present invention has produced carbonized moxa that produces little smoke and odor and can withstand mechanical processing. By using such carbonized moxa, it has become possible to easily produce carbonized moxa with a paper base, making moxibustion treatment using moxa more widespread in ordinary households.

[0057] Further aspects of the present invention will be described below. [1] A step of infiltrating carbonized moxa with a cellulose derivative solution; and Drying the carbonized moxa soaked in the liquid; A method for producing moxa, comprising: [2] The manufacturing method according to [1], wherein the solution is an aqueous solution. [3] The method according to [1] or [2], wherein the viscosity average molecular weight of the cellulose derivative is in the range of 20,000 to 100,000. [4] The production method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein a 5% by mass aqueous solution of the cellulose derivative has a viscosity of 100 to 1000 mPa·S at 23°C. [5] The method according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the cellulose derivative is carboxymethyl cellulose. [6] The method according to any one of [1] to [5], in which the infiltration step and the drying step are repeated two or more times in succession; and [7] A manufacturing method described in any of [1] to [6], further comprising a step of removing excess solution from the carbonized mugwort that has been infiltrated with the solution between the infiltration step and the drying step.

Claims

1. Infiltrating the carbonized moxa with a cellulose derivative solution; A method for producing carbonized moxa, comprising a step of drying the carbonized moxa that has been soaked in the solution.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solution is an aqueous solution.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity average molecular weight of the cellulose derivative is in the range of 20,000 to 100,000.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a 5% by mass aqueous solution of the cellulose derivative has a viscosity of 100 to 1000 mPa·S at 23°C.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cellulose derivative is carboxymethyl cellulose.

6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the infiltrating step and the drying step are repeated two or more times in succession.

7. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of removing excess solution from the carbonized moxa that has been infused with the solution between the infiltrating step and the drying step.

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