Common Name: Yin Chen Hao

General Information

Yin Chen Hao is a much-branched perennial plant that can grow up to 100cm tall with stems that become more or less woody, at least near the base[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use and for trade.

Known Hazards

Although we have seen no specific reports for this species, many members of this genus contain potentially allergenic sesquiterpene lactones that can cause skin reactions[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria., Philippines

Habitat

Grassy thickets[], and along rivers and seashores, C. and S. Japan[]. Humid slopes, hills, terraces, roadsides and river banks at elevations of 100 - 2700 metres in China[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Yin Chen Hao is a plant mainly of the warmer temperate zone and subtropics, though it is also found in some tropical areas of Asia. It is fairly cold tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to at least -5°c[].
An easily grown plant, succeeding in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a sunny position[, ]. Established plants are drought tolerant[]. Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

Leaves and stems - soaked and boiled[].

Medicinal

Yin Chen Hao has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for over 2,000 years. It is considered to be a bitter and cooling herb, clearing 'damp heat' from the liver and gall ducts and relieving fevers[]. It is an effective remedy for liver problems, being specifically helpful in treating hepatitis with jaundice[]. Modern research has confirmed that the plant has a tonic and strengthening effect upon the liver, gallbladder and digestive system[].
The leaves and young shoots are antibacterial, anticholesterolemic, antiinflammatory, antiviral, cholagogue, diuretic, febrifuge and vasodilator[, , , , ]. An infusion is used internally in the treatment of jaundice, hepatitis, gall bladder complaints and feverish illnesses[].
Externally the plant has been applied in the form of a plaster for treating headaches[, ].
The plant is harvested in late spring and can be dried for later use[].
Yin Chen Hao is contraindicated for pregnant women[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame.
Division in spring or autumn.