Yin Chen Hao Tang
Star茵陈蒿汤 (Artemisia Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhongjing (Han, 220)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Yin Chen Hao Tang (Artemisia Decoction) is the classical formula for Yang jaundice — bright yellow jaundice from damp-heat. By draining heat and damp through the urine and stool, it addresses the accumulation of damp-heat in the Liver and Gallbladder channels that causes jaundice. It is the foundation of modern TCM hepatology and one of the most studied formulas for hepatobiliary conditions.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yin Chen
as printed: Yin Chen Hao (Artemisiae scopariae herba)
|
30g | 62.5% | Jun (Chief) | clears heat, eliminates dampness, benefits the Gall Bladder and reduces jaundice |
| Zhi Zi | 12g | 25% | Chen (Deputy) | Clears heat from the three burners and guides damp-heat out through the urine |
| Da Huang | 6g | 12.5% | Zuo (Assistant) | Drains heat and guides damp-heat out through the stool |
Total weight: 45g
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
Clearing damp-heat and resolving jaundice while opening a downward exit through the bowels, so damp-heat leaves via both stool and urine.
Yang-type damp-heat jaundice with bright yellow skin and constipation.
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net cool (-1.38)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 38%, cool 63%.
Taste
- pungent 31%
- bitter 69%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Stomach 75%
- Spleen 75%
- Liver 75%
- Gallbladder 63%
- Lung 25%
- Heart 25%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Decoct Yin Chen Hao first for 20 minutes, then add Da Huang and Zhi Zi for final 10 minutes. Strain and take cool.
Dosage
Decoction: 1–2 doses/day for acute conditions. Take cool or at room temperature. Reduce frequency once jaundice improves.
Conditions Addressed
Related Formulas
Relationships
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Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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