Description

Medium-sized perennial herb with an erect stem, thin feathery leaves, and clusters of small composite flowers.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to Southeast Asia, yin chen hao is cultivated in China and other Far Eastern countries. The young plants are gathered in spring.

Parts Used

Aerial parts.

Constituents

Yin chen hao contains a volatile oil and coumarins. The volatile oil is antifungal.

History & Folklore

Yin chen hao has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for more than 2,000 years. Its medicinal properties were first listed in Divine Husbandman’s Classic (Shen’nong Bencaojing), written in the 1st century CE.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Yin chen hao is an effective remedy for liver problems, being specifically helpful for treating hepatitis with jaundice. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that it is bitter and cooling, clearing “damp heat” from the liver and gall ducts and relieving fevers. Yin chen hao is also anti-inflammatory and diuretic. It was formerly applied in the form of a plaster to treat headaches.

Research

Investigation undertaken in China indicates that like many Artemisia species, yin chen hao has a tonic and strengthening effect on the liver, gallbladder, and digestive system.

Cautions

Do not take during pregnancy. Unsuitable for children under 12 unless prescribed professionally.