Clears Damp-Heat, Treats Yang Type Jaundice
This is the best herb for treatment of jaundice due to damp-heat or damp-cold. Most commonly used for jaundice with bright orange-yellow skin usually referred to as yang-type. Also used with other herbs for yin-type jaundice with yellow, dull, and lusterless appearance although it is traditionally contraindicated for this type.
Clears Damp-Heat from the Skin
Especially for lower body skin diseases including sores, rashes, eczema, oozing sores, and urticaria due to damp-heat on the exterior.
Treats Febrile diseases with Damp-Heat
For fever, body aches, oppression in the chest, constipation, yellow urine and abdominal distension due to damp-heat.
Promotes Urination
Weakly promotes urination
Contraindications and Cautions
Use caution in cases without Damp-Heat.
Do not use in cases with jaundice due to blood accumulation.
Herb-Drug Interactions
None noted, but caution should be used when combining with diuretic drugs.
Toxicity and Overdose
Overdose can lead to rare toxic side effects including fainting, dizziness, headache, numb upper extremities with tremors, palpitations and feelings of chest oppression.
Dosage
10-30 grams in decoction 12
9-30 grams in decoction 13
Notes
This herb is the primary herb for treatment of jaundice due to its bitter and slightly cold nature. When treating Yang jaundice with signs of heat bitter cold herbs should be included like Zhi Zi. When treating Yin jaundice with signs of cold warming herbs like Fu Zi should be included.
Clinical Studies and Research
Animal studies have show Yin Chen Hao to have several physiological effects including hepatoprotective(1), antibiotic(2), antihypertensive(3), antihyperlipidemic(4), antipyretic(5), antiparasitic(6), diuretic(7), and cholagogic(8). (Chen)
Human clinical studies in China have shown Yin Chen Hao to be effective in the treatment of hepatitis(9), hypercholesterolemia(10), topical foot fungal infections(11), and parasites(12). (Chen)
1. Guo Wai Yi Xue Zhong Yao Fen Ce, 1986; 8(5):22
2. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 355:357
3. Zhi Wu Yao You Xiao Cheng Fen Shou Ce, 1986; 172; 173; 584; 940
4. Zhong Yao Yao Li Yu Ying, 1990; 15(6):52
5. Planta Med, 1984; 46(1):84
6. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 355:357
7. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 355:357
8. Xian Dai Zhong Yao Yao Li Xue, 1997; 571
9. Fu Jian Zhong Yi Yao, 1959; 7:42
10. Zhong Yi Zo Zhi, 1980; 1:39
11. Si Chuan Zhong Cao Yao Tong Xun, 1976; 3:28
12. Shan Dang Yi Kan, 1965; 12:44
Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.
Herb 25 of 28 in Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
