Anisopappi Chinensis Flos
Aliases：Jin Juhua, Han Shan Ju, Xuan Fu Hua (recorded in Guangxi Bencao Xuanbian), Pu Jian Ju (from Chinese Plant Family and Genus Index), and Guangdong Xuanfu Hua. (These are alternative names for Shan Huang Ju.)
Shan Huang Ju is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried capitulum (flower head) of Anisopappus chinensis (L.) Hook. & Arn., a plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is an annual herb, 40–100 cm tall. The root is stout, 5–12 mm in diameter. The stem is erect, solitary or occasionally clustered, with fine striations, densely covered with rust‑colored pubescence. The middle stem leaves are ovate‑lanceolate or narrowly oblong, 3–6 cm long and 1–2 cm wide, pubescent on both surfaces, with obtuse serrations on the margin and three main veins. The capitula are solitary or arranged in terminal corymbs; the involucre is hemispherical; the ray florets are yellow, and the bisexual florets are tubular. The achenes are cylindrical, sparsely pubescent. Flowering and fruiting occur from August to November. It grows on dry slopes, sandy areas, wastelands, grasslands, and forest margins at altitudes of 840 to 2,100 meters. It was first recorded in Guangxi Bencao Xuanbian (Selected Compendium of Guangxi Herbal Medicine).
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat and resolves phlegm.
Indications
Common cold with fever, lung‑heat cough, and sore throat. In addition, fresh leaves can be applied topically to treat carbuncles, furuncles, and eczema. The Guangxi Standards for Chinese Medicinal Materials also records its use for cold‑induced headache and chronic bronchitis.
Modern Pharmacology
Current pharmacological research on Shan Huang Ju is still insufficient. Modern studies have shown that Shan Huang Ju contains flavonoids, inulin, volatile oils, and other components, and exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects.
Ingredients
Preliminary studies indicate that it contains flavonoids, inulin, volatile oils, and other components.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 5–10 g; or 6–15 g; or 6–9 g, wrapped in a bag for decoction. For topical application: appropriate amount, decoct in water for washing the affected area, or mash and mix with wine for application to the affected area.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy.
Selected Formulas
For cold with fever, lung‑heat cough, and sore throat (empirical formula) Take 5–10g of Shanhuangju (a local herb), decoct in water and drink. For cold with headache and chronic bronchitis (empirical formula) Take 6–9g of Shanhuangju, wrap in a cloth, decoct in water and drink. For traumatic injury (empirical formula) Take 6–15g of Shanhuangju, decoct in water and drink. For food stagnation with distension and pain (empirical formula) Take 6–15g of Shanhuangju, decoct in water and drink. For carbuncles, furuncles, and eczema (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of fresh Shanhuangju leaves, crush and apply externally. For sores and toxic swellings (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of Shanhuangju, decoct in water and wash the affected area; or crush and mix with wine for external application.
Medicinal Parts
Dried capitulum (flower head).
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
