Yin Chen Hao

English Name: artemisia scoparia, virgate wormwood, capillary wormwood, oriental wormwood

Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Artemisiae Scopariae

Medica Category: Water-Regulating and Damp-Resolving Herbs

Properties: Yin Chen Hao enters the Liver, Spleen, Gallbladder, and Stomach channels; it is bitter in nature and cool in temperature.

What is Yin Chen Hao?:

The Chinese Herb Yin Chen Hao is the dried aerial parts of two members of the genus Artemisia (Virgate wormwood– Artemisia scoparia; and capillary wormwood– Artemisia cappilaris). Artemisia scoparia has long, slender stems and wispy leaves and grow up to 4ft high while artemisia cappilaris has woodier stems and shorter, thicker leaves (more needle-like). The two species are used interchangeably for their TCM medicinal actions.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Yin Chen Hao:

Yin Chen Hao clears damp-heat and is most commonly used to treat yang-type damp-heat jaundice characterized by bright yellow-orange color to the skin. It is also be helpful for addressing yin-type jaundice (i.e. that in which the skin has a dull, lusterless yellow tinge to it) when properly combined in formula. Other damp-heat conditions in the Liver addressed by this herb include cholecystitis, infectious hepatitis, and cirrhosis of the liver.

Yin Chen Hao clears damp-heat in febrile disorders characterized by fever, muscle aches, chest oppression, abdominal distention, scanty, yellow urine, and diarrhea.

Yin Chen Hao clears damp-heat from the exterior and is used (either internally or topically) to treat damp-heat skin disorders such as urticaria (hives), eczema, rashes, and oozing sores.