Inula flower (Xuanfuhua)

Pharmaceutical Name : Flos Inulae

Botanical Name : 1. Inula britannica L.; 2. Inula japonica Thunb.

Common Name: Inula flower

Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations : The flower is gathered in summer and autumn, when it is blooming, and is dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste : Bitter, pungent, salty and slightly warm

Meridians: Lung, spleen, stomach and large intestine

Functions:
1. To resolve phlegm and promote water metabolism;
2. To conduct qi downward and stop vomiting

Indications & Combinations:
1. Phlegm fluid blocking the lungs manifested as asthma and cough with profuse sputum. Inula flower (Xuanfuhua) is used with Pinellia tuber (Banxia) and Asarum herb (Xixin).

2. Phlegm fluid blocking the stomach leading to rebellious qi manifested as eructation, vomiting and epigastric full sensation. Inula flower (Xuanfuhua) is used with Red ochre (Daizheshi), in the formula Xuanfu Daizhe Tang.

Dosage: 3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: When decocting this herb should be wrapped in cloth.