Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae) is from the whole herb Artemisia Capillaris Thunb. , or Artemisia scoparia Waldst, et kit, family Compositae. The medicinal material is collected in the spring when the young plant reaches 10cm in height or in autumn when the buds had developed. The roots and any impurities are removed. It is then sun-dried before use.

Category: Damp resolving / heat clearing.

Common Name: Wormwood; Virgate Wormwood.

Channels Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Liver and Gall Bladder.

Properties and Functions: Yin Chen Hao is bitter in flavour and slightly cold in nature. Its main actions are clearing Heat and eliminating Dampness, and it has the other function of helping to drain the gall bladder to relieve jaundice.

Indications: It is one of the main herbs for treating jaundince, mainly that which is due to Damp-Heat or Damp-Cold. Its other main clinical use is the treatment of Damp related sores, rashes or skin diseases, such as eczema, particularly on the lower part of the body.

Dosage: 10 – 30g

Cautions and Contra-Indications: Contra-indicated for jaundice due to accumulation of Blood or Blood-deficiency.