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Qin Jiao秦艽

Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix · Large Gentian Root

Herbs that Dispel Wind-Dampness 祛风湿药《神农本草经》

Overview

The odd one out among the wind-damp herbs: acrid and bitter but neutral in nature and moistening rather than drying, so it can be given for joint pain whether the pattern runs hot or cold, and in patients whose fluids are already thin. Entering the Stomach, Liver and Gallbladder, it also has two side occupations — clearing the low-grade heat of yin deficiency, and draining damp-heat in jaundice.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Neutral

Channels

Stomach · Liver · Gallbladder

Typical Dosage

3–9 g in decoction
秦艽Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Dispels wind-damp, relaxes the sinews, frees the channelsJoint pain and stiffness of bi patterns, hot or cold, with tight or cramping sinews; also numbness and weakness of the limbs.
  • Clears deficiency heatAfternoon tidal fever and the steaming-bone sensation of yin deficiency, often with night sweats.
  • Drains damp-heat, resolves jaundiceDamp-heat jaundice with a yellow tinge to the eyes and skin.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Qin Jiao

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Joint pain and stiffness of wind-damp bi, hot or cold in character
    - Tight, cramping sinews with limb numbness
    - Afternoon tidal fever and night sweats of yin deficiency
    - Damp-heat jaundice

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Rheumatoid arthritisOsteoarthritisLow-grade feverJaundice

Contraindications

Cautions

It can loosen the stool, so it is used cautiously — and not at high doses for long — where the Spleen is weak and stools are already soft. Not toxic.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.