Yin Chen Hao Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
茵陈蒿汤 · Yīn Chén Hāo Tāng
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.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Dampness-Draining Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Damp-Heat
- Primary Function
- Clear Damp-Heat, resolve jaundice
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Clear Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder and resolve jaundice
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun / Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
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.
Therapeutic Principle
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.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Yin Chen Hao Tang | Yin Chen Wu Ling San | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Da Cheng Qi Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Clear Damp-Heat, resolve jaundice | Drain Damp, promote urination, resolve jaundice | Clear Liver Fire, drain Damp-Heat | Strongly purge Heat accumulation and constipation |
| Formula Category | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Purgative Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Damp-Heat | Dampness | Liver Fire | Stomach Heat |
| Main Conditions | Damp-Heat Constitution ·Dull Complexion | Edema ·Damp Constitution ·Frequent Urination | Bitter Taste in Mouth ·Damp-Heat Constitution | Constipation ·Bloating ·Abdominal Pain ·Fever |
| Main Herbs | Virgate Wormwood ·Gardenia Fruit ·Rhubarb Root and Rhizome | Virgate Wormwood ·Alisma Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Polyporus ·White Atractylodes Rhizome | Gentian Root ·Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap ·Gardenia Fruit ·Alisma Rhizome ·Akebia Stem | Rhubarb 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) |
Clinical Perspective
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.
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Yin Chen Hao Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Damp-Heat Jaundice & Liver-Gallbladder Issues
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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.