Virgate Wormwood
인진호 (茵蔯蒿) · Artemisia capillaris Thunb.
Heat-clearing, dampness-draining, jaundice-resolving herb
Slightly cold (some sources: cool)
Bitter, pungent
Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, Stomach
NatureSlightly cold (some sources: cool)
TasteBitter, pungent
MeridiansLiver, Gallbladder, Spleen, Stomach
Part usedStem and leaf
FamilyAsteraceae
CategoryHeat-clearing, dampness-draining, jaundice-resolving herb
Find by concern: Headache
Overview
Virgate wormwood is the classic remedy for jaundice in East Asian medicine, its very name explained in the Donguibogam: unlike other plants, its old stem survives the winter without dying, and new sprouts grow from that same old growth each spring — hence "yin-chen" ("relying on the old"). The text also gives an unusually specific processing instruction: never let it near fire.
In the Donguibogam
東醫
寶鑑
寶鑑
性微寒一云涼, 味苦辛, 無毒一云小毒. 主熱結黃疸, 通身發黃, 小便不利. 治天行時疾, 熱狂, 頭痛及瘴瘧.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is slightly cold (some say cool), its taste bitter and pungent, and it is non-toxic (some say mildly toxic). It mainly treats heat-bound jaundice, whole-body yellowing, and difficult urination. It treats epidemic seasonal illness, heat mania, headache, and malarial fever.
Traditional functions
- Clears damp-heat
- Resolves jaundice
- Promotes urination
- Clears epidemic heat
Traditional applications
- Jaundice with whole-body yellowing
- Difficult or scanty urination
- Epidemic febrile illness with headache
- Heat-type restlessness
Traditional preparation
Decoction 8–20g.
Cautions
Caution: Cold in nature; not suited to cold-deficiency conditions. The classics note it must be processed away from fire. Jaundice should always be medically evaluated. Consult a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Why is this herb called "yin-chen" (relying on the old)?
The Donguibogam explains that unlike most plants, its old stem survives winter without dying, and new sprouts grow from that same old growth each spring — the basis of its name.
What is virgate wormwood's main traditional use?
Jaundice — it is the classic Donguibogam remedy for whole-body yellowing and difficult urination, alongside use for epidemic febrile illness with headache.
Sources
- 동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)
DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.