Qin Jiao – Large Gentian Root – Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae

Qin Jiao, also known as Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix or Largeleaf Gentian Root, is a bitter, acrid, and slightly cold herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to dispel wind-dampness, relieve pain, clear deficiency heat, and moisten dryness. It is particularly effective for treating bi syndrome with joint pain, especially when heat or deficiency is involved. Qin Jiao is also used to address tidal fever, steaming bone disorder, and dry-type constipation in the elderly or deficient patients.
Functions & Benefits
Dispels Wind-Dampness & Relieves PainQin Jiao is a key herb for bi syndrome, especially when joint pain is accompanied by redness, swelling, or heat. It is useful in both acute and chronic wind-damp conditions and is commonly used for pain in the limbs, joints, or back.
Clears Deficiency HeatThis herb gently clears Yin Deficiency heat, including tidal fever, steaming bones, and low-grade afternoon or evening fevers. It is milder than other heat-clearing herbs, making it appropriate for deficient patients or during recovery.
Relieves Jaundice & Clears Damp-HeatQin Jiao is used to treat damp-heat jaundice, especially in the early stages. It clears heat and dampness from the Liver and Gallbladder, promoting resolution of yellowing skin and eyes.
Moistens the Intestines & Eases ConstipationDue to its moistening and cooling nature, Qin Jiao helps relieve dry-type constipation, especially in the elderly or those weakened by chronic illness. It is gentle and nourishing, making it suitable for long-term use in deficient individuals.
Indications
Arthritic pain with redness, swelling, or stiffness from wind-damp-heatTidal fever, steaming bone disorder, or low-grade fever from Yin DeficiencyEarly-stage jaundice or yellowing due to damp-heat in the Liver and GallbladderChronic dry constipation, especially in weak, elderly, or recovering patientsPainful limbs or weakness in bi syndrome with signs of heat or deficiency
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red with a thin yellow or dry coating, possibly greasy in cases of damp-heatPulse: Thin and rapid (Yin Deficiency heat) or slippery and wiry (damp-heat bi syndrome)
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Qin Jiao
Qin Jiao treats Wind-Damp-Heat Bi Syndrome, Yin Deficiency with heat, Damp-Heat Jaundice, and Deficiency-related dryness affecting the intestines. These patterns involve joint pain, fatigue, chronic low fevers, or dry stools in deficient individuals.
Precautions & Contraindications
Not suitable for diarrhea due to Spleen Deficiency or cold-damp conditionsAvoid in cases of chronic loose stools or weak digestion without signs of heat or drynessUse cautiously in patients with cold-type joint pain or without heat symptomsNot appropriate in excess conditions without concurrent deficiency or damp-heat
Conclusion
Qin Jiao is a versatile herb that dispels wind-damp, clears deficiency heat, and nourishes dryness. It is particularly effective in bi syndrome involving heat, chronic low-grade fevers, and constipation from fluid deficiency. Its gentle cooling and moistening properties make it ideal for use in patients with complex or deficiency-based syndromes.