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Capillary Wormwood (Artemisia capillaris)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Common Names: Capillary Wormwood, Yin Chen Hao (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Oriental Wormwood
  • Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers)

Description

Artemisia capillaris is a perennial herb native to East Asia, widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its liver-supporting and detoxifying properties. It is particularly known for treating jaundice, liver stagnation, and inflammatory conditions.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in TCM to clear heat and dampness from the liver and gallbladder.
  • Employed to support liver function and detoxification.
  • Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial herb.

Constituents

  • Flavonoids
  • Sesquiterpene lactones
  • Essential oils (cineole, camphor)
  • Coumarins
  • Polyphenols

Actions

  • Hepatoprotective (liver-supporting)
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Choleretic (stimulates bile flow)
  • Antimicrobial
  • Diuretic
  • Bitter tonic

Medicinal Uses

1. Liver and Gallbladder Support:
Artemisia capillaris is widely used to treat liver stagnation, support bile flow, and alleviate symptoms of jaundice.

2. Detoxification and Blood Purification:
Traditionally employed to cleanse the body of excess heat and toxins, helping to reduce skin conditions linked to liver dysfunction.

3. Digestive Health:
Used to improve digestion, relieve bloating, and support gut flora balance.

4. Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects:
Traditionally applied to infections, fevers, and inflammatory disorders.

5. Skin Conditions:
Internally and externally used to treat eczema, acne, and inflammatory skin issues linked to liver dysfunction.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

  • 1-2 tsp of dried aerial parts per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes and drink up to 2 times daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml of tincture taken 2-3 times daily.

Poultice:

  • Fresh leaves mashed and applied externally for skin inflammation and irritation.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid use due to its strong bitter and detoxifying effects.
  • Bile Flow Issues: Should not be used in individuals with bile duct obstruction unless under supervision.
  • Bitter Taste: May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine: Cooling and bitter, clears heat and dampness from the liver and gallbladder.

Combinations

  • For Liver Health: Combine with milk thistle and dandelion root.
  • For Digestive Support: Combine with ginger and fennel.
  • For Skin Health: Combine with burdock and calendula.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Aerial parts should be collected before flowering for the highest medicinal potency.
  • Drying: Dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
  • Storage: Store dried material in an airtight container away from moisture and light.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Artemisia capillaris’s hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its traditional uses in liver detoxification and skin health.

Capillary Wormwood remains a valuable herb in traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for liver health, detoxification, and skin conditions.