The source is from the whole herb of Artemisia Capillaris Thunb., or Artemisia scoparia Waldst, et kit, family Compositae. The medicinal material is produced in all parts of China, collected in spring when the young plant is 10 cm high or in autumn when the bud has grown up, the root and impurity being removed. The crude is dried in the sun for use.

Medicinal Properties: Bitter in flavor, slightly cold in nature and attributive to the spleen, stomach, liver and gallbladder meridians.

Actions: Clear away heat and eliminate dampness, drain the gallbladder to relieve jaundice.

Application
1. It is a main medicinal herb for treating jaundice and can treat all kinds of syndromes of jaundice by the herb in combination with others. For yang-jaundice of dampness-heat type, it is usually combined with Zhizi ( Fructus Gardeniae ), Huanghai ( Cortex Phellodendri) , and Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei ) , such as Yinchenhao Tang (Decoction); for that of dominant dampness type with heat, combined with Fuling (Poria), Zhuling (Polyporus), such as Yinchen Wuling San (Powder); for yin-jaundice of dampness-heat type, must be combined with Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata ), Ganjiang ( Rhizoma Zingiberis ), etc., such as Yinchen Sini Tang (Decoction).
2. For damp-thermosis, eczema and damp sore, it is combined with Huangbai ( Cortex Phellodendri), Kushen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis ) , Shechuangzi (Fructus Cnidii), and Difuzi (Fructus kochiae), etc. to be decocted for oral use or for external washing.

Usage and Dosage:
10 - 30 g is used in decoction for oral use and just right amount for external use.

Notes:
Contraindicated for jaundice with yellowish skin due to accumulation of blood and for that with lustreless yellow due to deficiency of the blood.