Inulae Flos
Aliases：金佛草花、金钱花、夏菊、六月菊、金盏花、盛椹、黄熟花、旋复花。
Xuán Fù Huā (Inula Flower) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried capitulum (head inflorescence) of Inula japonica Thunb. or Inula britannica L., plants of the Asteraceae family. It is renowned for the principle that “while most flowers ascend, Inula Flower alone descends,” and is considered a key herb for descending qi, resolving phlegm, and relieving vomiting and belching.
Efficacy & Actions
Descends qi, resolves phlegm, promotes water circulation, and stops vomiting.
Indications
Used for wind-cold cough, accumulation of phlegm-rheum, chest and diaphragm stuffiness and fullness, wheezing and coughing with profuse sputum, vomiting and belching, and epigastric stuffiness and hardness. It is also used for chest and hypochondriac pain due to disharmony of qi and blood.
Modern Pharmacology
Antitussive and expectorant effects: Exhibits significant antitussive and expectorant effects. Antiasthmatic effect: Flavonoid components show significant protective effects against histamine-induced bronchospasm. Antibacterial effect: The decoction shows inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, Shigella flexneri, and other bacteria. Anti-inflammatory effect: Exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. Antitumor effect: Exhibits antitumor effects. Neuroprotective effect: Exhibits neuroprotective effects. Hepatoprotective effect: Exhibits protective effects against immune-mediated liver injury.
Ingredients
Sesquiterpene Lactones: Inulicin, britannin, inulanolide, taraxasteryl acetate, among others. Flavonoids: Quercetin, isoquercitrin, luteolin, kaempferol, rutin, among others. Organic Acids: Caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, among others. Other Components: Steroids, volatile oils, polysaccharides, among others.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 3–10g.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with yin deficiency consumptive cough and dry cough due to fluid depletion. Use with caution during pregnancy. Use with caution in patients with yang deficiency and loose stools. Use with caution in patients with yin deficiency and fire excess.
Selected Formulas
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang (Inula and Hematite Decoction, from Shang Han Lun) Ingredients: Inula Flower 3 liang, Ginseng 2 liang, Fresh Ginger 5 liang, Hematite 1 liang, Licorice 3 liang (roasted), Pinellia 0.5 sheng (washed), and Jujube 12 pieces (split). Efficacy: Descends counterflow, resolves phlegm, benefits qi, and harmonizes the stomach. Indications: After diaphoresis, emesis, or purgation in cold damage diseases, when the exterior pattern has resolved but there is still epigastric stuffiness and hardness with unrelieved belching. Xuan Fu Hua Tang (Inula Flower Decoction, from Jin Gui Yao Lve) Ingredients: Inula Flower 3 liang, Scallion 14 stalks, and a small amount of New Crimson (Xīn Jiàng, a type of fabric-dyed medicinal material). Efficacy: Promotes qi circulation, invigorates blood, unblocks collaterals, and disperses nodules. Indications: Liver constraint (stagnation of liver qi and blood), and also used for incomplete abortion with continuous bleeding in women. Jin Fei Cao San (Inula and Schizonepeta Powder, from Lei Zheng Huo Ren Shu) Ingredients: Inula Flower 3 liang, Hogfennel Root (Qián Hú) 3 liang, Schizonepeta (Jīng Jiè) 4 liang, Pinellia (Bàn Xià) 1 liang, Red Peony Root (Chì Sháo Yào) 2 liang, Asarum (Xì Xīn) 1 liang, and Licorice (Gān Cǎo) 1 liang (roasted). Efficacy: Releases the exterior, resolves phlegm, descends qi, and stops cough. Indications: Phlegm in the middle jiao with high fever, rigidity of the neck sinews, and intermittent chills and fever in cold damage diseases.
Daily Consumption
Infusion as Tea: Take 3–5g of dried Inula Flower, steep in boiling water for 10–15 minutes, and drink. It may help relieve mild cough or stomach discomfort. It can be combined with honey or dried tangerine peel (Chén Pí) to enhance the lung-moistening effect.
Medicinal Parts
Dried capitulum (head inflorescence).
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place, protected from moisture.
