Dampness-Draining Formulas

茵陈蒿汤 · Yīn Chén Hāo Tāng

Yin Chen Hao Tang

The classic Shang Han Lun formula for yang-type (damp-heat) jaundice. Clears Damp-Heat via both urine and stool, producing bright yellow jaundice with Heat signs.

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Last reviewed August 2026
Formula CategoryDampness-Draining Formulas
Primary PatternDamp-Heat
Primary FunctionClear Damp-Heat, resolve jaundice
Primary Therapeutic PrincipleClear Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder and resolve jaundice
Main HerbsVirgate Wormwood · Gardenia Fruit · Rhubarb Root and Rhizome
Classical SourceShang Han Lun / Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for yang-type jaundice with vivid orange colouring, scanty dark urine and constipation, where Damp-Heat is intense — considerably more cooling and purging than Yin Chen Wu Ling San, which suits damp-predominant jaundice with fluid retention rather than marked Heat.

Traditionally selected for yang-type jaundice with vivid orange colouring, scanty dark urine and constipation, where Damp-Heat is intense — considerably more cooling and purging than Yin Chen Wu Ling San, which suits damp-predominant jaundice with fluid retention rather than marked Heat.

What Is Yin Chen Hao Tang?

1. Recorded in Classic Works

Yin Chen Hao Tang, also known as Artemisia Yinchenhao Decoction, is a classical formula from Zhang Zhongjing’s Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage). Designed to clear heat, resolve dampness, and reduce jaundice, it is the primary prescription for yang-type jaundice caused by damp-heat accumulation.

This formula is primarily used for bright yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, fever, thirst, scanty dark urine, abdominal fullness, and a greasy yellow tongue coating. It remains one of the most important remedies in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating damp-heat jaundice.

Yin Chen Hao Tang

2. Jaundice Hepatitis

Yin Chen Hao Tang is the primary formula used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating viral or inflammatory hepatitis that causes yellowing of the skin.

  • How it looks: You might notice your skin and eyes turn a bright yellow. This is usually accompanied by a fever, a bitter taste in your mouth, feeling nauseous, and having very dark urine and constipation.
  • Why it works: Modern research shows that the ingredients in this formula actually help protect your liver cells. It helps reduce liver inflammation and encourages the liver to repair itself. By flushing out the "damp-heat," it helps lower your bilirubin levels and brings your liver function back to normal.

3. Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis) with Jaundice

When the gallbladder becomes inflamed, it can block the flow of bile and lead to jaundice. If your symptoms fit the "damp-heat" pattern, this formula is a standard treatment.

  • How it helps: The herbs work together to cool down the inflammation in the gallbladder and clear the "sticky" blockages in the liver and gallbladder area.
  • The Result: By restoring the natural flow of bile, it reduces the yellowing of the skin and relieves the pain and discomfort caused by the inflammation. Practitioners often adjust the specific herbs in the formula based on how severe the gallbladder symptoms are.
Yin Chen Hao Tang

4. Gallstones with Jaundice

Gallstones can physically block the bile duct, causing bile to back up and turn the skin yellow. Yin Chen Hao Tang can be very helpful here, though it is usually part of a larger treatment plan.

  • How it helps: It helps reduce the inflammation in the bile ducts caused by the stones and encourages bile to flow more freely. This helps relieve the jaundice symptoms and reduces internal pressure.
  • Important Note: For gallstones, this formula is typically used as a "supportive" treatment. It is usually combined with other methods designed to break down or remove the stones themselves (like lithotripsy). Doctors will closely monitor the size and location of the stones while using this formula to ensure the best results.

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. The Leader (Monarch Herb) — Yin Chen Hao

Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia) is the "king" of this formula. It has a slightly bitter and spicy taste and a cool nature. It works specifically with your Spleen, Stomach, Liver, and Gallbladder.

  • The Jaundice Expert: This herb is famous in Traditional Chinese Medicine for fixing jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
  • How it Works: It clears out "damp-heat"—think of this as a sticky, hot type of inflammation that gets trapped in the Liver and Gallbladder.
  • Scientific Side: It contains natural compounds that help your body produce and release bile, which flushes out waste products like bilirubin.
  • Why it’s the Leader: It has the largest dose in the formula and goes straight to the source of the problem.

2. The Deputy (Minister Herb) — Zhi Zi

Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit) is a bitter, cold herb that supports the Heart, Lungs, and your body's internal fluid systems (the "Triple Energizer").

  • The Support Force: Its main job is to help Yin Chen Hao clear out heat and dampness more effectively.
  • Draining Heat Through Urine: It helps move internal heat downward and out of the body through urination.
  • Bile Support: Much like the leader herb, it also helps the Gallbladder release bile, which is essential for clearing up jaundice.
  • Why it’s the Deputy: It strengthens the formula’s cooling and draining power, ensuring the "fire" of the illness is extinguished.

3. The Helper (Assistant Herb) — Da Huang

Da Huang (Rhubarb Root) is a well-known herb that is very bitter and cold. It focuses on the digestive system and the blood.

  • The "Back Door" Exit: While the other herbs drain heat through urine, Da Huang acts as a natural laxative. It flushes damp-heat toxins out through the bowels.
  • Dual Action: By promoting bowel movements, it makes sure the toxins have two ways to leave the body—front and back. This speeds up the healing process.
  • Clearing the Blood: It also helps cool the blood and break up any internal "stickiness" or stagnation.
  • Why it’s the Assistant: it makes sure the toxins don't just stay in the intestines where they could be reabsorbed.
Yin Chen Hao Tang

4. The Harmonizer (Envoy Herb) — Gan Cao

Gan Cao (Licorice Root) is a sweet, neutral herb that works on the Heart, Lungs, and digestive system.

  • The Peacemaker: The first three herbs are all very bitter and cold, which can sometimes be harsh on your stomach. Gan Cao acts as a buffer, softening their properties so the formula is gentler on your body.
  • Protecting Your Energy: It boosts your digestive strength (Spleen Qi). This ensures that while the formula is busy clearing out the "bad" heat, your "good" energy isn't drained.
  • Why it’s the Envoy: It guides all the herbs to work together as a team, making the whole formula balanced and safe for your stomach.

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. What’s Going Wrong? (Pathogenesis)

The main issue Yin Chen Hao Tang addresses is "Damp-Heat" getting stuck in your digestive and liver systems.

  • Internal "Steaming": Whether the problem comes from the environment or your diet, your Spleen and Stomach lose their ability to process fluids correctly. This creates a "damp" buildup that eventually turns into "heat."
  • Liver and Gallbladder Blockage: Think of this damp-heat as a hot, thick mist that "steams" your Liver and Gallbladder. This prevents bile—which should stay in its proper channels—from moving correctly.
  • The Yellow Glow: When bile overflows into the skin and eyes, it causes the characteristic yellowing of jaundice.

2. What the Formula Does (Efficacy)

The formula focuses on one clear goal: clearing out the "bad" heat and moisture to let the jaundice fade away.

  • Clearing and Draining: It uses a "dual-drainage" method. It clears the heat and pushes the dampness out through both your urine (front exit) and your bowels (back exit).
  • Restoring Flow: By cleaning out the "sticky" damp-heat in the Liver and Gallbladder, it allows your bile to follow its normal path again.
  • The Result: Once the internal environment is cool and clear, the yellow color in the skin and eyes begins to disappear, and your body returns to balance.
Yin Chen Hao Tang

3. When to Use It (Indications)

This formula is the classic remedy for "Damp-Heat Jaundice." You might need this if you experience:

  • Bright Yellow Skin: Your skin, face, and the whites of your eyes turn a bright, vivid yellow (often compared to the color of an orange).
  • Internal Heat Signs: You have a fever but don't sweat much (or only sweat on your head), and you feel very thirsty, always wanting a drink.
  • Digestive Distress: Feeling nauseous, vomiting, or having a bloated, full feeling in your upper abdomen.
  • Elimination Issues: Your urine is very dark (reddish or deep yellow) and scanty. Your stools might be constipated or feel "stuck."
  • Physical Signs: A practitioner would see a red tongue with a thick, yellow, greasy coating and feel a fast, slippery pulse.

Summary: If you have jaundice that looks bright and is accompanied by feelings of heat and digestive blockage, Yin Chen Hao Tang is the primary formula used to flush out the system and restore health.

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. The Team Effort: Clearing Heat and Flushing Fluids

This formula uses a powerful trio—Yin Chen Hao, Zhi Zi, and Da Huang. While all three work to clear "damp-heat," they each have a specific focus, like a specialized cleaning crew:

  • Yin Chen Hao is the specialist for the Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, and Stomach. It is the heavy hitter specifically designed to make jaundice fade away.
  • Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit) focuses on the body's internal water system (the Triple Energizer). It concentrates on cooling down the heat and sending it out through your urine.
  • Da Huang (Rhubarb) takes care of the digestive tract. It uses a purging action to make sure the toxic damp-heat leaves through your bowel movements.
  • The Result: By attacking the problem from three different angles, the formula ensures the damp-heat has nowhere to hide. This synergy is a classic example of how Traditional Chinese Medicine uses herb combinations to be more effective than a single herb alone.

2. Treating the Whole Body at Once

Instead of just looking at one symptom, Yin Chen Hao Tang treats several internal organs simultaneously to restore balance:

  • Liver and Gallbladder: It directly clears the area where bile is produced and stored, ensuring the "pipes" are clean so bile doesn't leak into the skin.
  • Spleen and Stomach: It helps restore your body’s ability to process food and water, which prevents "dampness" from building up in the first place.
  • Triple Energizer and Intestines: It clears the body's general internal environment and regulates digestion.
  • The Result: By fixing all these systems at the same time, the formula doesn't just treat the yellow skin—it fixes the internal "engine" that caused the problem, reflecting the holistic approach of Chinese medicine.
Yin Chen Hao Tang

3. The "Front and Back Door" Strategy

A key secret to this formula's success is how it provides two separate exits for toxins to leave your body:

  • The Back Door (Defecation): By using Da Huang to keep the bowels moving, the formula prevents toxic damp-heat from staying in the intestines, where it could be reabsorbed into your blood.
  • The Front Door (Urination): By using Zhi Zi to promote clear urination, the formula drains the heat that has already made it into your system.
  • The Result: When both the "front and back doors" are open and flowing, the damp-heat is flushed out quickly. This prevents the condition from getting worse and helps the jaundice disappear much faster than it would on its own.

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare Yin Chen Hao TangYin Chen Wu Ling SanLong Dan Xie Gan TangDa Cheng Qi Tang
Primary Function Clear Damp-Heat, resolve jaundiceDrain Damp, promote urination, resolve jaundiceClear Liver Fire, drain Damp-HeatStrongly purge Heat accumulation and constipation
Formula Category Dampness-Draining FormulasDampness-Draining FormulasHeat-Clearing FormulasPurgative Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern Damp-HeatDampnessLiver FireStomach Heat
Main Conditions Damp-Heat Constitution, Dull ComplexionEdema, Damp Constitution, Frequent UrinationBitter Taste in Mouth, Liver Qi Stagnation, Damp-Heat ConstitutionConstipation, Bloating, Abdominal Pain, Fever, Anxiety Restlessness
Main Herbs Virgate Wormwood · Gardenia Fruit · Rhubarb Root and RhizomeVirgate Wormwood · Alisma Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Polyporus · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Cinnamon TwigGentian Root · Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap · Gardenia Fruit · Alisma Rhizome · Akebia Stem · Plantago Seed · Chinese Angelica Root · Raw Rehmannia Root · Bupleurum Root · Licorice RootRhubarb Root and Rhizome · Mirabilite / Glauber's Salt · Magnolia Bark · Immature Bitter Orange
Classical Source Shang Han Lun / Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)Yi Fang Ji Jie (Analytic Collection of Medical Formulas, Wang Ang, Qing dynasty)Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)

How to tell them apart

Yin Chen Hao Tang is for damp-heat (yang) jaundice. Yin Chen Wu Ling San is milder for damp-predominant or cold-damp jaundice. Long Dan Xie Gan Tang clears Liver-Gallbladder Fire more broadly. Da Cheng Qi Tang is for pure Yang Ming excess without primary jaundice focus.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications for Yin Chen Hao Tang

1. If the Heat is Stronger Than the Dampness

If the "fire" in your body is very high, you might notice the yellow color of your skin is very deep, you have a high fever, and you feel incredibly thirsty. In these cases, the formula needs more cooling power:

  • Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit): The dosage can be increased to help drain the fire more effectively.
  • Huang Lian (Coptis) and Huang Bai (Phellodendron): These two very bitter, very cold herbs can be added. They are like a heavy-duty cooling system that dries out dampness and puts out intense internal heat.
  • The Result: This modification is perfect for when the illness feels "hotter" than it feels "sticky," helping to bring down the fever and quench your thirst.

2. If the Dampness is Stronger Than the Heat

If you feel more "heavy" and "clogged up" than hot, you might have heavy limbs, a bloated chest or belly, and find it very difficult to pee. This means the dampness is the main problem, and we need to flush out the fluids:

  • Fu Ling (Poria) and Ze Xie (Alisma): These are added to act as extra diuretics, helping your body pee out the excess moisture.
  • Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) and Cang Zhu (Atractylodes): These herbs are great at "drying" the internal dampness and getting your energy (Qi) moving.
  • The Result: This helps clear that sluggish, bloated feeling and supports your digestive system in processing water correctly again.

3. If You Have Pain Under Your Ribs (Hypochondriac Pain)

If you feel sharp or pressing pain in your sides or under your ribcage—the area where the Liver and Gallbladder are located—extra herbs are added to relax the area:

  • Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Yu Jin (Turmeric Tuber), and Chuan Lian Zi (Toosendan Fruit): These herbs are experts at "soothing the Liver."
  • The Result: They help get your energy (Qi) flowing smoothly in the Liver and Gallbladder area, which stops the pain and helps the bile flow better, speeding up the recovery of the jaundice.
Yin Chen Hao Tang

4. If You Have Loose Stools

Because Da Huang (Rhubarb) is a natural laxative, it might be too strong if you already have diarrhea or loose stools. In this situation, the formula is adjusted to be gentler:

  • Reduce the Laxative: The amount of Da Huang is lowered to prevent further stomach upset.
  • Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes): These "strengthening" herbs are added to support your Spleen and protect your digestion.
  • The Result: This allows the formula to keep clearing the jaundice and heat without weakening your digestive system or causing extra bathroom trips.

What the Science Suggests

1. What Science Says About the Ingredients

Modern studies have taken a closer look at how the individual herbs in Yin Chen Hao Tang work at a biological level:

  • Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia): Research confirms it is a powerhouse for the liver. It helps your body produce and release bile more effectively, which lowers bilirubin levels and clears up that yellow jaundice tint. It also has natural antiviral and antibacterial properties and helps liver cells repair themselves after damage.
  • Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit): This herb acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and fever-reducer. It protects liver cells and helps keep them functioning normally even when you are sick.
  • Da Huang (Rhubarb): Its main job is to act as a natural flush for the system. By clearing out the intestines, it stops toxins from being reabsorbed into your body. It also fights bacteria and reduces overall inflammation, which helps you feel better faster.

2. Proven Results in Real-World Patients

A lot of clinical research has confirmed that Yin Chen Hao Tang is highly effective for conditions involving jaundice.

  • Effective for Many Conditions: It has been successfully used to treat viral hepatitis, gallbladder inflammation (Cholecystitis), and even jaundice caused by gallstones (Cholelithiasis).
  • Faster Recovery: Patients using this formula often see their skin color return to normal faster, their liver test numbers improve more quickly, and their overall recovery time shorten.
  • Safe and Reliable: Studies across different age groups show that when the "Damp-Heat" pattern is correctly identified, the formula is very safe and works consistently well.
Yin Chen Hao Tang

3. Modern Ways to Take the Medicine

In the past, you had to boil these herbs into a tea (decoction), but modern technology has made it much easier to take:

  • New Formats: You can now find Yin Chen Hao Tang in easy-to-use forms like concentrated granules, capsules, and tablets.
  • Convenience: These modern versions are much easier to store and take on the go, which helps patients stay consistent with their treatment.
  • Same Quality: Scientists have worked hard to ensure these new formats are just as stable and effective as the traditional boiled tea. This gives patients more high-quality options for their treatment without losing the benefits of the original formula.

Safety Considerations

1. Stop When Resolved & Cautions

Stop Yinchenhao Decoction once jaundice and damp‑heat signs are relieved to avoid overuse and damage to upright qi. Use cautiously in spleen‑stomach deficiency‑cold (weak constitution, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cold limbs), as its bitter‑cold nature may worsen yang deficiency. Pregnant women should use it only under physician guidance due to potential fetal effects.

2. Dietary Restrictions & Monitoring

During treatment avoid spicy, greasy, and stimulating foods (e.g., chili, fried foods) that promote damp‑heat; maintain a light diet with more vegetables and fruit. Monitor symptoms—if condition fails to improve or worsens, seek medical evaluation and adjust therapy promptly.

Questions About Yin Chen Hao Tang

Q1: What are the actions of Yin Chen Hao Tang?
Yin Chen Hao Tang has the actions of clearing Heat, draining Dampness, and resolving jaundice. It is the classic formula for Yang-type (Damp-Heat) jaundice caused by Damp-Heat obstructing the Liver and Gallbladder.
Q2: Which modern diseases is Yin Chen Hao Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Damp-Heat jaundice, including acute icteric hepatitis, cholecystitis, cholestasis, and certain hepatobiliary conditions presenting with bright yellow jaundice and Damp-Heat signs.
Q3: Is Yin Chen Hao Tang suitable for improving jaundice with dark urine?
For presentations of bright yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes (like orange peel), scanty dark urine, abdominal fullness or distension, thirst, nausea, and a yellow greasy tongue coating — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Damp-Heat (Yang) jaundice — TCM commonly applies Yin Chen Hao Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
Q4: Who should not take Yin Chen Hao Tang?
Those with Yin-type (Cold-Damp) jaundice, Spleen-Stomach deficiency Cold, or who are pregnant should generally avoid or use it with great caution. The formula is cold and draining in nature and is unsuitable for cold or deficient patterns. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.
Q5: How does Yin Chen Hao Tang distinguish Yang jaundice from Yin jaundice?
Yang (Damp-Heat) jaundice shows bright, vivid yellow skin and eyes with Heat signs. Yin (Cold-Damp) jaundice presents with dull, smoky yellow discoloration, cold limbs, fatigue, and loose stools. Yin Chen Hao Tang is specifically for the Yang type; using it for Yin jaundice would further damage Yang.
Q6: Can Yin Chen Hao Tang help with cholecystitis or gallstones?
Yes, when these conditions present with Damp-Heat signs such as jaundice, bitter taste, abdominal fullness, and dark urine. The formula clears Heat and drains Dampness from the Liver and Gallbladder pathway, supporting resolution when the pattern matches.
Q7: What are the main ingredients of Yin Chen Hao Tang?
The classical formula consists of three herbs: Yin Chen Hao (Virgate wormwood) as the chief herb to clear Damp-Heat and resolve jaundice, Zhi Zi (Gardenia) to clear Heat from the Triple Burner and promote urination, and Da Huang (Rhubarb) to drain Heat downward through the stool.
Q8: Is Yin Chen Hao Tang suitable for long-term use?
It is generally used for a relatively short course under professional supervision until the Damp-Heat and jaundice resolve. Prolonged use of this cold, draining formula is not recommended, especially if Spleen function weakens.
Q9: How does the formula clear Damp-Heat through both urine and stool?
Yin Chen Hao and Zhi Zi primarily guide Damp-Heat downward through urination, while Da Huang drains Heat and accumulation through the bowels. This dual elimination pathway makes the formula effective for interior excess Damp-Heat jaundice.
Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Yin Chen Hao Tang?
Avoiding greasy, spicy, and alcohol-containing foods, maintaining light and easily digestible meals, and resting adequately help reduce the burden on the Liver and Gallbladder. Professional medical monitoring of liver function remains essential alongside any herbal treatment for jaundice.

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?
TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.
What are concentrated herbal granules?
Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.
How should I take these products?
Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.
Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?
Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.
Are your products authentic?
Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.
Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?
HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.
Can I take more than one formula at the same time?
Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.
Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.
Do these products replace medical treatment?
No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.
Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

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Yin Chen Hao Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Damp-Heat Jaundice & Liver-Gallbladder Issues