Da Qing Ye, also known as Isatis indigotica folium or Woad Leaf, is a bitter and cold herb commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to clear heat, cool the blood, and resolve toxic conditions. It is well-known for its use in treating febrile diseases, epidemic infections, and inflammatory conditions. With strong antiviral and antibacterial properties, it is frequently used in modern TCM for flu, hepatitis, and epidemic fevers involving high heat and blood-level toxicity.
Functions & Benefits
Clears Heat & Resolves Toxicity
Da Qing Ye is used in acute febrile illnesses with high fever, headache, sore throat, and skin eruptions. It is effective for treating early-stage viral infections, including influenza, measles, and epidemic fevers. The herb helps to reduce toxic heat signs and prevent the spread of pathogenic factors.
Cools the Blood & Reduces Skin Eruptions
Used when heat has entered the blood level, causing symptoms such as rashes, bleeding, and delirium. Da Qing Ye is especially useful for red or purple skin eruptions due to blood heat, and is often combined with other herbs to treat warm diseases with rashes.
Reduces Swelling & Benefits the Throat
Effective for swollen, painful throat, tonsillitis, and mumps caused by heat toxins. It is commonly used to clear fire in the upper body and reduce inflammation in the glands and throat.
Supports Treatment of Epidemic & Viral Conditions
In modern herbal practice, Da Qing Ye is used in supportive treatment for viral infections such as hepatitis, severe influenza, hand-foot-mouth disease, and certain types of meningitis. Its detoxifying and cooling nature make it a frontline herb for contagious conditions.
Indications
High fever with sore throat, headache, or irritability due to heat toxin.
Epidemic febrile diseases, especially with skin rashes or bleeding.
Inflammatory conditions such as mumps, swollen glands, or tonsillitis.
Viral hepatitis and other liver-related heat toxin disorders.
Skin eruptions or bleeding due to heat entering the blood level.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red or crimson with a yellow or dark dry coating, indicating heat in the blood or qi level.
Pulse: Rapid and forceful or wiry, reflecting internal heat and toxicity.
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Da Qing Ye
Da Qing Ye is used to treat patterns such as heat entering the blood level, toxic heat in the throat, and epidemic warm diseases. These conditions are marked by high fever, skin rashes, delirium, swollen glands, or sore throat, often during outbreaks or seasonal epidemics.
Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cases of Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency, especially with cold signs.
Prolonged use may weaken digestion due to its bitter and cold nature.
Use with caution in individuals prone to diarrhea or poor appetite.
Not recommended during pregnancy unless supervised by a practitioner.
Conclusion
Da Qing Ye is a powerful heat-clearing and detoxifying herb in TCM, known for its role in treating febrile and epidemic diseases. It is especially useful for conditions involving high fever, sore throat, skin eruptions, or viral infections. With its strong cooling action, it is an essential herb for managing contagious conditions and blood-heat syndromes.
