Yin Chen Hao (茵陈蒿) — Capillaris / Sagebrush
Yin Chen Hao is the specific Chinese herb for jaundice — the classical treatment for hepatitis, gallstones, cholecystitis and any presentation of Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat. Its ability to move damp-heat out through the urine and bowels makes it the chief herb in Yin Chen Hao Tang.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Yin Chen Hao (茵陈蒿) — Capillaris / Sagebrush (Artemisia scoparia) — is a Chinese herb in the Drain Dampness (clear Damp-Heat) category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Yin Chen Hao |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 茵陈蒿 |
| Latin name | Artemisia scoparia |
| English name | Capillaris / Sagebrush |
| Nature | Cool |
| Flavour | Bitter, acrid |
| Channels entered | Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, Stomach |
| Category | Drain Dampness (clear Damp-Heat) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Damp-Heat from Liver and Gallbladder
- Reduces jaundice
- Promotes urination and bowel movement to guide Damp-Heat out
Indications
- Acute and chronic hepatitis with jaundice
- Cholecystitis and gallstones
- Skin itching with Damp-Heat
- Damp-Heat urinary problems
4. Dosage
9–30g
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Not for jaundice due to Cold-Damp patterns
- Reduce dose in Blood or Yin deficiency
- May increase bile flow — caution with biliary obstruction; specialist review
6. Key formulas
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Yin Chen Hao where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
