Genkwa Flos
Aliases：Yuán, Qù Shuǐ (Expel Water), Bài Huā (Defeated Flower), Chì Yuán (Red Genkwa), Dú Yú (Fish Poison), Tóu Tòng Huā (Headache Flower), Mèn Tóu Huā (Depression Flower), Nào Yú Huā (Fish-Tormenting Flower), Yuán Huā Tiáo (Genkwa Twig), Yào Yú Cǎo (Medicinal Fish Grass), Lǎo Shǔ Huā (Mouse Flower), Jīn Yāo Dài (Golden Belt), Jiǔ Lóng Huā (Nine-Dragon Flower), Mián Huā Tiáo (Cotton Twig), Yě Dīng Xiāng Huā (Wild Lilac Flower).
Yuán Huā is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the flower bud of Daphne genkwa Sieb. et Zucc., a plant belonging to the genus Daphne of the family Thymelaeaceae. This plant is a deciduous shrub, 0.3–1 m tall, with branches slightly yellowish-green or purplish-brown. The flowers bloom before the leaves, pale purple in color, usually 3–7 clustered on short flower axes, club-shaped, often curved, 1–1.7 cm long, densely covered with short soft hairs. Yuán Huā was first recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer‘s Materia Medica). Due to its toxicity, it was historically known as “fish poison” and “fish-tormenting flower,” and is also called “headache flower” and “depression flower” in folk medicine.
Efficacy & Actions
Drains water and expels retained fluid; relieves cough and resolves phlegm; detoxifies and kills parasites.
Indications
Indicated for edema and distension, chest and abdominal fluid accumulation, phlegm-fluid accumulation, Qi counterflow with cough and wheezing, and difficulty in urination and defecation. For external use, it treats scabies, tinea, carbuncles, and frostbite. Mingyi Bielu (Records of Famous Physicians) records that it can “eliminate phlegm-fluid in the chest”.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Yuán Huā possesses antitussive, expectorant, labor-inducing, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, insecticidal, and immunomodulatory effects. Its chemical constituents are diverse, mainly including coumarins, lignans, diterpenoid orthoesters, and flavonoids. Network pharmacology studies have identified genkwanin, luteolin, and quercetin as the key chemical components responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects. Hydroxygenkwanin is considered the active component for its expectorant, antitussive, and antiasthmatic effects. Yuán Huā extract also shows significant effects in antiviral, antitumor, and neuroprotective activities.
Ingredients
Yuán Huā contains various active components. The flowers and flower buds contain diterpenoid orthoesters: yuanhuacine, yuanhuadine, yuanhuafine, yuanhuagine, yuanhuapine, and genkwadaphnin; flavonoids: genkwanin, 3′-hydroxygenkwanin (luteolin-7-methyl ether), apigenin, luteolin, tiliroside, and others. The volatile oil contains fatty acids such as palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. Compounds isolated and identified from Yuán Huā include apigenin, luteolin, daphnoretin, daucosterol, aurantiamide, phillygenin, and others.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 1.5–3 g; or grind into powder and swallow, 0.6–1 g each time, once daily. Vinegar-processed Yuán Huā is taken in pills or powders, 0.6–0.9 g each time. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, grind into powder and mix for topical application; or decoct in water for washing.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy. Contraindicated in patients with debility—as this herb is potent in action and may easily damage vital Qi. Contraindicated in patients with severe heart disease, ulcer disease, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Incompatible with Licorice (Gān Cǎo)—this is one of the “Eighteen Incompatibilities” in traditional Chinese medicine. Use a small dosage, discontinue when the condition improves, and avoid prolonged use. Literature reports indicate that it may cause liver and kidney damage.
Selected Formulas
1. For abdominal distension due to qi-blood stasis (from Wei Sheng Yi Jian Fang) Take the flower spikes and fruits of Liu-jinu, grind them into a fine powder. Each dose is about 3 qian (approximately 9 g), to be decocted with warm wine and taken orally. 2. For persistent postpartum lochiorrhea (from Liu-jinu Decoction recorded in Sheng Ji Zong Lu) Combine Liu-jinu, Zhimu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides) – 1 liang each, Danggui (Angelica sinensis), Guijianyu (Euonymus alatus) – 2 liang each, and Taoren (peach seed, Prunus persica) – 1.5 liang. Coarsely pulverize and sieve. Take 4 qian spoons (approx. 4 g) per dose, decoct in water and take warm. 3. For postpartum weakness and tendency toward dizziness (from Sheng Ji Zong Lu) Mix Liu-jinu with Gancao (licorice root, Glycyrrhiza uralensis) in equal proportions. Each dose is 5 qian spoons (approx. 5 g), decocted in a mixture of equal parts water and wine, then taken orally. 4. For traumatic ecchymosis, swelling and pain (empirical folk formula – Liu-jinu Wine) Take 60 g each of Liu-jinu, Gusuibu (Drynaria fortunei), and Yanhusuo (Corydalis yanhusuo). Cut into small pieces, place in a container, add 500 ml of white liquor, seal and soak for at least 10 days. Filter to remove residue. The resulting wine may be used externally or taken internally in strictly controlled small doses under professional guidance. 5. For pain due to blood stasis (folk dietary formula – Liu-jinu Stewed Tofu) Combine 60 g of Liu-jinu, 6 g of Bohe (peppermint, Mentha haplocalyx), 200 g of soft tofu, and 100 g of white sugar. Add water and stew until thoroughly cooked. Serve as an accompaniment to meals.
Daily Consumption
Yuán Huā is a toxic and potent medicinal herb and should not be used as a daily food ingredient. All medicinal use must be conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician. Self-collection, preparation, or consumption is strictly prohibited.
Medicinal Parts
Dried flower buds. The root bark of Yuán Huā is also used medicinally, with effects of reducing swelling, detoxifying, promoting blood circulation, and relieving pain.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place. Protect from mold and insects.
