Da Qing Ye
StarIsatis tinctoria
Synonyms: Isatis tinctoria var. pastoris
☯ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and resolves Fire toxicity; Cools the Blood and dissipates maculae; Cools Gallbladder Heat
Traditional Chinese Uses
Da Qing Ye (isatis leaf, woad leaf) is a cold, bitter herb that powerfully clears Heat toxin and cools the Blood. It is used for febrile illnesses with high fever, rashes, delirium, and bleeding from Blood Heat — particularly epidemic-type conditions where Heat toxin is intense and rapid in progression. It addresses swollen, painful throat, tonsillitis, and other upper respiratory infections from Heat toxin. Together with Ban Lan Gen (isatis root) from the same plant, it forms a complementary pair widely used for acute infections in Chinese medicine.
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Isatis tinctoria is a biennial or perennial herb in the mustard family (Brassicaceae), growing 50-130 cm tall. First-year plants form a basal rosette of oblong, glaucous (blue-green) leaves 10-30 cm long. Second-year stems are erect and branched, with smaller stem-clasping leaves. Small yellow flowers are produced in branched corymbs. The distinctive fruits are oblong, flat, pendulous, one-seeded, and dark when mature (resembling a tongue). Leaves are used for Da Qing Ye, roots for Ban Lan Gen.
Fields, roadsides, disturbed habitats, and rocky slopes; native to Eurasia, historically cultivated as a dye plant, now naturalized in many temperate regions. Grown commercially in China.
Isatis tinctoria is widely cultivated in China and naturalized throughout temperate regions. It is commonly grown for both medicinal and dye purposes. No conservation concerns, though wild populations may be less common in some areas.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15 g | daily | — | adult | Up to 30 g for severe heat-toxin conditions |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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