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[Shangpin (Superior Category) of the Classic of Materia Medica]
[Flavor and Nature] Bitter, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats pathogenic factors such as wind-dampness, cold-heat, and heat accumulation causing jaundice. Long-term consumption lightens the body, benefits qi, and promotes longevity; it whitens and beautifies the complexion, extending life. If a white rabbit consumes it, it becomes immortal.
[Analysis] Says: It grows on Mount Tai, as well as on hillsides and slopes. It is found elsewhere, but those from Mount Tai are superior. Seedlings emerge in spring, resembling Artemisia sieversiana (Penthao) but with tighter, finer leaves. Flowers appear in the ninth lunar month, bearing fruits similar to the flowers. Some plants do not flower or bear fruit. After autumn, the stems wither, but they survive the winter, and old seedlings regenerate in spring. For processing, select leaves with eight angles, dry them in the shade, remove the roots, slice finely, and avoid exposure to fire. It can subdue sand [referring to its ability to mitigate harsh/dry properties].
My late father said: When various pathogens transform into heat and enter the interior to cause jaundice, they must invade internally through the couli (skin pores and interstices) and meridians. The filamentous structure of Yinchen resembles couli, textures, meridians, and collaterals. Its aromatic nature unblocks and facilitates flow, and its bitter taste promotes vigorous movement. Thus, pathogens that have entered will exit, and accumulations will dissipate. He also said: Yinchen is indeed a pure offering for mountain kitchens and a herb that generates yang qi for the Spleen Earth.
[Song] Says: In the late spring of the Jiazi year, traveling along the Shanyin Road, looking from afar at the fences, it seemed as if green vapor was rising. Upon approaching, it grew in clusters like algae, slender, soft, green, and neat. Asking the locals, I learned it was Yinchen Hao (Artemisia capillaris). Only then did I understand the meaning of "Hao qichuang, mu xi qing chen zhi si" (The mugwort is desolate, washed in vinegar, green silk of the old). Zangqi stated that it sprouts from old seedlings, hence the name Yinchen (Old Bedding/Mat). The Neijing states: "In the three months of spring, this is called Fa Chen (Releasing the Old)." This aligns perfectly. Therefore, "Yin" means still/continue and support/rely upon; "Chen" means old/past and existing, representing the beginning of Wood virtue. It implies continuing to rely on the old to promote the initial expression of Wood virtue. Although it belongs to the Mugwort genus like Fan, Xiao, Wei, and E, maturing in autumn, it differs in its ability to use its aromatic nature to release and renew, transforming the old into the new. When cold-heat pathogens knot together internally and cannot be released, they stagnate and turn yellow—this is "Chen" (the old/stagnation). Yinchen releases and promotes Fa Chen, expelling external pathogens outward; when the old stagnation is removed, new vitality arises. Lightening the body and whitening the face result from long-term consumption where new vitality replaces the old pathology. Benefiting qi refers to assisting the qi of renewal and release.