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Xuan Fu Hua旋覆花

Inulae Flos · Inula Flower

Herbs that Transform Phlegm and Stop Coughing 化痰止咳平喘药《神农本草经》

Overview

Nearly every flower in the materia medica rises; Xuan Fu Hua descends. Bitter, acrid, salty and slightly warm, it drives phlegm-fluid downward and settles rebellious Stomach qi — the herb for belching, hiccup and vomiting with a full chest and copious thin sputum. Honey-prepared Xuan Fu Hua is moister and preferred when cough and wheezing lead. The densely hairy flower heads are always decocted wrapped in cloth.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter, acrid, salty · Slightly warm

Channels

Lung · Stomach

Typical Dosage

3–10 g in decoction
旋覆花Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Descends qi, transforms phlegm-fluidCough and wheezing with copious thin sputum and an oppressed, full chest.
  • Settles Stomach counterflow, stops hiccupBelching, hiccup, nausea and vomiting from phlegm-damp obstructing the Stomach; classically with Dai Zhe Shi.
  • Moves accumulated fluidFluid held in the chest and flanks with a heavy, distended feeling.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Xuan Fu Hua

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Cough and wheezing with copious thin sputum and chest fullness
    - Belching, hiccup, nausea and vomiting from Stomach qi counterflow
    - Fluid accumulation in the chest and flanks

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Chronic bronchitisHiccupsGERDPleural effusion

Contraindications

Cautions

Descending and drying: not appropriate for a dry cough from yin deficiency, and used cautiously with loose stool from Spleen deficiency. Always decoct it wrapped — loose hairs from the flower head irritate the throat and can set off coughing or retching.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.