Artemisia Capillaris Herb Yin Chen Hao

Pinyin: Yin Chen Hao Latin: Artemisia Capillaris

Physical Characteristics

Artemisia Capillaris is a decidious Shrub growing to 0.5m by 0.5m, is hardy to zone 7 and is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind.

Yin Chen Hao prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. Artemisia Capillaris requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Family

Umbelliferae

Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) Uses:*

Yin Chen Hao has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for over 2,000 years and is considered to be a bitter and cooling herb, clearing "damp heat" from the liver and gall ducts and relieving fevers[254].*

Artemisia Capillaris is an effective remedy for liver problems, being specifically helpful in treating hepatitis with jaundice[254]. Modern research has confirmed that the plant has a tonic and strengthening effect upon the liver, gallbladder and digestive system[254].*

The leaves and young shoots are antibacterial, anticholesterolemic, antiviral, cholagogue, diuretic, febrifuge and vasodilator[147, 176, 178, 218]. An infusion is used internally in the treatment of jaundice, hepatitis, gall bladder complaints and feverish illnesses[238].*

Externally it has been applied in the form of a plaster for treating headaches[254]. The plant is harvested in late spring and can be dried for later use[238]. Yin Chen Hao is contraindicated for pregnant women[254].*

References

• [147]A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press 0 ISBN 0-914294-92-X
• [176] Yeung. Him-Che.Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985
• [178] Stuart. Rev. G. A.Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre
• [218] Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
• [222] Foster. S. & Duke. J. A.A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1990 ISBN 0395467225
• [238] Bown. D.Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
• [245] Genders. R.Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8
• [254] Chevallier. A.The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996 ISBN 9-780751-303148

Source: Artemisia capillaris Plants For A Future, England 1996-2008.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

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