Single Herb Glossary
Ài Yè 艾葉
| Pharmaceutical name | Artemisiae argyi Folium mugwort leaf, artemesia |
| Category | Stop Bleeding |
| Key Properties | Dispels Cold-Dampness, Stops Pain due to Cold, Stops Bleeding, Calms the Fetus during pregnancy |
| Properties | Bitter Acrid Warm |
| Tropism | SP, LV, KD |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Warms the Womb & Stops Bleeding (Calms Fetus) 2) Disperses Cold & Alleviates Pain 3) Eliminates Dampness & Stops Itching (External wash) |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with Heat from Yin Def or Blood Heat |
| Contraindications (Western) | Topical application of essential oil may irritate skin and cause local redness and warmth; oral administration of essential oil may stimulate gastrointestinal tract and lead to increased appetite and consumption of food |
| Chemical Composition | D-α-phellandrene, α-cadinene, 1,8-cineole, camphene, trans-carveol, borneol acetate, elemol, isoborneol, α-terpineol, carvone |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Hemostatic: fresh and charred forms have marked effectiveness to stop bleeding; charred form found to be more effective than fresh herb • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect against Bacillus anthracis, α-hemolytic streptococcus, β-hemolytic streptococcus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, S. aureus, Staphylococcus citreus, Staphylococcus albus, and Bacillus subtilis • Antiasthmatic: essential oil demonstrated antiasthmatic effects in animal studies • Antitussive and expectorant: intraperitoneal or oral administration of essential oil demonstrated marked antitussive and expectorant effects in cats, dogs and guinea pigs • Cholagogic: administration of 2% solution of Ai Ye has marked effectiveness to increase production and excretion of bile |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Si Sheng Wan (Four-Fresh Pill) 四生丸 Bai Ye Tang (Biota Twig Decoction) 柏葉湯 Jiao Ai Tang (Ass-Hide Gelatin and Mugwort Decoction) 膠艾湯 Ai Fu Nuan Gong Wan (Mugwort and Cyperus Pill to Warm the Palace) 艾附暖宮丸 |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.