Health Benefits of Drinking Capillaris (Yin Chen) Tea

Yin Chen (Artemisia capillaris) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a bitter and slightly pungent taste and a mildly warm nature. 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. Specifically, Yin Chen stimulates 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 jaundiced hepatitis. Additionally, Yin Chen improves coronary blood supply and exhibits antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and anticoagulant effects. Brewing Yin Chen as a tea is commonly employed to clear damp-heat and alleviate jaundice.

Individuals with chronic hepatitis B often develop dark yellow urine and yellowish skin discoloration; in severe cases, they may experience fatigue and reduced appetite. Under medical guidance, drinking Yin Chen tea may help improve these jaundice-related symptoms. Moreover, Yin Chen demonstrates efficacy in alleviating infections caused by Shigella bacteria and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Regular consumption of Yin Chen tea can support improved liver function. However, while consuming Yin Chen tea, patients should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, as these may impair the herb’s therapeutic efficacy. Yin Chen is contraindicated in individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency or Spleen-Stomach cold deficiency.