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Artemisia capillaris - Thunb.

Common Name

Yin Chen Hao

Family

Compositae

Synonyms

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, skin contact with some members of this genus can cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions in some people[222].

Habitats

Grassy thickets[147], and along rivers and seashores, C. and S. Japan[58]. Humid slopes, hills, terraces, roadsides and river banks at elevations of 100 - 2700 metres in China[266].

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria.

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary

Physical Characteristics

A decidious Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower from Aug to October, and the seeds ripen from Sep to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind.

The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.


http://flickr.com/photos/8518936@N05

http://flickr.com/photos/8518936@N05

Habitats
Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves. Leaves and stems - soaked and boiled[177].

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Antibacterial; Anticholesterolemic; Antiviral; Cholagogue; Diuretic; Febrifuge; Hepatic; Vasodilator.

Yin Chen Hao has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for over 2,000 years. It is considered to be a bitter and cooling herb, clearing "damp heat" from the liver and gall ducts and relieving fevers[254]. It is an effective remedy for liver problems, being specifically helpful in treating hepatitis with jaundice[254]. Modern research has confirmed that the plant has a tonic and strengthening effect upon the liver, gallbladder and digestive system[254]. The leaves and young shoots are antibacterial, anticholesterolemic, antiviral, cholagogue, diuretic, febrifuge and vasodilator[147, 176, 178, 218]. An infusion is used internally in the treatment of jaundice, hepatitis, gall bladder complaints and feverish illnesses[238]. Externally it has been applied in the form of a plaster for treating headaches[254]. The plant is harvested in late spring and can be dried for later use[238]. Yin Chen Hao is contraindicated for pregnant women[254].

Other Uses
None known

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in a well-drained circumneutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil, preferring a sunny position[1, 200]. Established plants are drought tolerant[200]. Plants are longer lived, more hardy and more aromatic when they are grown in a poor dry soil[245]. This species is probably not hardy in all parts of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to at least -5°c[238]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

Propagation
Seed - surface sow from late winter to early summer in a greenhouse[200]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Division in spring or autumn.

Expert comment

Author
Thunb.

Botanical References
58266

Links / References

[1]F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956

Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[58]Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation)

The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.

[147]? A Barefoot Doctors Manual.

A very readable herbal from China, combining some modern methods with traditional chinese methods.

[176]Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas.

An excellent Chinese herbal giving information on over 500 species. Rather technical and probably best suited to the more accomplished user of herbs.

[177]Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption.

An excellent book for the dedicated. A comprehensive listing of latin names with a brief list of edible parts.

[178]Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica.

A translation of an ancient Chinese herbal. Fascinating.

[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.

Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[218]Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China

Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.

[233]Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants

A concise guide to a wide range of perennials. Lots of cultivation guides, very little on plant uses.

[238]Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.

A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.

[245]Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World.

An excellent, comprehensive book on scented plants giving a few other plant uses and brief cultivation details. There are no illustrations.

[254]Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants

An excellent guide to over 500 of the more well known medicinal herbs from around the world.

[266] Flora of China

On-line version of the Flora - an excellent resource giving basic info on habitat and some uses.

Readers comment

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Subject : Artemisia capillaris

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