Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Isatidis Folium |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 大青葉 · Da Qing Ye |
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| Medicinal Part | Leaves |
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| Efficacy Category | Heat-clearing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried leaves of Isatis indigotica Fort. (Brassicaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter; Cold |
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| Channels Entered | Heart, Stomach |
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What Is Da Qing Ye?
Da Qing Ye (Indigowoad Leaf) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Hebei, Shaanxi.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter; Cold
Channels Entered: Heart, Stomach
Da Qing Ye: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Isatidis Folium
Botanical Origin
The dried leaves of Isatis indigotica Fort. (Brassicaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Hebei, Shaanxi.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has large leaves without leaf stem, dark grayish-green.
Macroscopic Features
Wrinkled into lumps, sometimes mashed, grayish-green or yellowish-brown. Intact leaf is long elliptical to oval-oblanceolate, 4~11cm long, 1~3cm wide, entire leaf margin or slightly waved; apex is blunt and round, base is gradually narrowed to the petiole, appearing wing-like, some with raised spots on the upper surface and obvious middle vein on the lower surface. Leaf stem is 5~7cm long, ventral surface is slightly indented. Brittle and easily broken texture; faint odor; slightly bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter; ColdHeartStomach
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and resolves toxin, cools blood and dissipates macules.
How Da Qing Ye Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Da Qing Ye is classified among the Heat-clearing herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
