Formula Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness

Yin Chen Hao Tang

茵陈蒿汤

Also known as:

Artemisia Capillaris Decoction , Virgate Wormwood Decoction

Formula Composition

Yin Chen
Yin Chen
Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi
Da Huang
Da Huang
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears heat
  2. Resolves dampness
  3. Reduces jaundice

Patterns Treated

Damp-Heat in the Liver, Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder, Damp-Heat

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Yin Chen Hao Tang

Main Actions

Clears heat
Resolves dampness
Reduces jaundice

Key TCM Concepts

Yin Chen Hao Tang is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Virgate Wormwood (Yin Chen) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness. Its main actions are: 1) clears heat and 2) resolves dampness.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Yin Chen Hao Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Damp-Heat in the Liver, Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder or Damp-Heat. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis or hepatic atrophy for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Damp-Heat in the Liver
  • Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
  • Damp-Heat

Common Applications

Viral hepatitis Cirrhosis Hepatic atrophy Biliary ascariasis Neonatal jaundice Eczema Psoriasis Allergic dermatitis Acne Pelvic inflammatory disease Abnormal uterine bleeding Vaginitis Dysmenorrhea

Ingredients in Yin Chen Hao Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Yin Chen Hao Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Yin Chen
Yin Chen

Virgate wormwood

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried aerial parts
Role in Yin Chen Hao Tang
In general Yin Chen's main actions are as follows: "Drains Damp and clears Heat, especially from the Liver and Gallbladder. Eliminates Heat and relieves the Exterior. Relieve Jaundice."

In the context of Yin Chen Hao Tang, it is used because it treats all types of jaundices, but especially jaundice due to Damp-Heat.
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Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi

Cape jasmine fruits

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Lungs, Sanjiao, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Yin Chen Hao Tang
In general Zhi Zi's main actions are as follows: "Clears Heat and calms spirit. Drains Damp-Heat affecting the Liver and Gallbladder. Clears Heat in the Blood and stops bleeding. Anti-inflammatory."

In the context of Yin Chen Hao Tang, it is used because it clears Heat from the Triple Burner, and more specifically, drains Damp-Heat through the urine.
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Da Huang
Da Huang

Rhubarb

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Yin Chen Hao Tang
In general Da Huang's main actions are as follows: "Drains Excess Heat and eliminates Dampness, especially when in the Bright Yang stage according to the Six Stages Theory. Cools the Blood and stops bleeding. Invigorates Blood, breaks up Stasis and relieves pain. Clears Heat and toxins from Excess. Applied topically for Hot sores and Blood Stasis."

In the context of Yin Chen Hao Tang, it is used because it purges Heat, eliminates stagnated Heat and directs downward.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Yin Chen Hao Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for Yin-type jaundice or jaundice in which dampness predominates. Rhubarb (Da Huang) should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Yin Chen Hao Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.