Yin Chen Hao Tang — Artemisia Capillaris Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Conditions treated
5. Cautions

Overview

Yin Chen Hao Tang — Artemisia Capillaris Decoction — is the classical Chinese herbal formula for clearing Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder to treat jaundice (huang dan) and liver conditions. Originating from Zhang Zhongjing’s Shang Han Lun, it is the primary formula for yang-type jaundice characterised by bright yellow-orange skin and eyes from Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat. Its principal herb, Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia capillaris), has well-documented choleretic (bile-stimulating), hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory actions and is one of the most researched hepatological herbs in Chinese medicine.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat causing yang-type jaundice, characterised by: bright orange-yellow coloration of the skin and sclera, dark (tea-coloured) urine, possible fever, abdominal fullness, nausea, a greasy yellow tongue coating, and a wiry, rapid and slippery pulse.

Key herbs

1. Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia capillaris herb) — the principal herb (in a very large dose); clears Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder and has documented hepatoprotective and choleretic actions
2. Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides fruit) — clears Heat and promotes elimination of Damp-Heat via urination
3. Da Huang (Rheum palmatum root) — clears Heat and purges Damp-Heat from the intestines; assists the elimination of bilirubin

Conditions treated

1. Jaundice from Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat — the formula’s classical and primary indication
2. Acute and chronic hepatitis with elevated liver enzymes and Damp-Heat pattern
3. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — Yin Chen Hao has documented effects on reducing liver fat and inflammation
4. Gallbladder conditions including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis with Damp-Heat pattern
5. Digestive disorders with prominent Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat — nausea, bitter taste, right hypochondriac discomfort

Contraindicated in pregnancy and in Cold-type (yin) jaundice from Yang deficiency. Gallbladder disease should always be assessed by a medical practitioner.

Cautions

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.