Health Benefits of Drinking Capillaris (Yin Chen) Tea

Yin Chen (Artemisia scoparia) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Its nature and flavor are bitter and pungent, with a slightly warm property. It primarily enters the Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, and Stomach meridians. Its principal therapeutic actions include clearing heat, resolving jaundice, promoting bile secretion, and protecting the liver—with hepatoprotection being its most prominent effect.

Yin Chen promotes bile secretion and enhances the excretion of bile acids and bilirubin in bile; thus, it is commonly used to treat hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and jaundice-associated hepatitis. Additionally, Yin Chen improves coronary blood supply and exhibits antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and anticoagulant effects. Brewing Yin Chen as a tea helps clear damp-heat and alleviate jaundice.

Individuals with chronic hepatitis B often experience dark yellow urine and yellowing of the skin; in severe cases, fatigue and loss of appetite may also occur. Under medical guidance, drinking Yin Chen tea may help improve jaundice symptoms.

Yin Chen also demonstrates efficacy in alleviating infections caused by Shigella bacteria and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Regular consumption of Yin Chen tea supports improved liver function. However, when consuming Yin Chen tea, patients should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, as these may interfere with the herb’s therapeutic effects. Moreover, Yin Chen is contraindicated in individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency or Spleen-Stomach cold deficiency.