It is the dried capitulum of Inula japonica Thunb. or Inula britannica L.,family Compositae. They are collected in summer and autumn when the buds are open. They are dried in shade or in the sunshine after the impurities are removed. The raw or those stir-baked with honey are used as medicine.
[ Medicinal Properties ]: Bitter, pungent,salty and slightly warm; relate to liver, spleen , stomach and large intestine meridians.
[ Medicinal Efficacies ]: Direct qi downward and resolve phlegm; suppress adverse rise of qi and relieve vomiting.
[ Clinical Applications ]: 1. Phlegm-fluid congestion in lung causing cough and dyspnea with profuse sputum, phlegm-fluid retention causing oppression in chest and hypochondrium For cough and dyspnea due to cold-phlegm accompanied by exterior syndrome, it is usually combined with Shengjiang, Banxia and Xixin in Jinfeicao Powder. For excess syndrome of phlegm-heat manifested as cough and dyspnea, it is used with Jiegeng, Sangbaipi and Dahuang in Xuanfuhua Decoction. For stubborn phlegm accumulation resulting in stufffiness and oppression in chest and hypochondrium, it is combined with Haifushi and Haigeqiao.
2. Belching, vomiting For qi deficiency of stomach and spleen and adverse ascent of phlegm-damp causing vomiting, belching and epigastric stuffiness and oppression, it is combined with Daizheshi, Banxia and Shengjiang in Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction.
[ Usage and Dosage ]: 3-9g. It is wrapped to be decocted.
[ Annotation ]: Jinfeicao It has the same source with Xuanfuhua, but only the part of the plant above the earth is used, so also named as Xuanfugeng. It has similar medicinal properties and functions and it is very effective for dispersing. It mainly treats external contractionn manifested as cough with profuse sputum . 5-10g is decocted for oral administration. The fresh leaves can be pounded into juice and applied externally to cure sores and swelling.
旋覆花为菊科植物旋覆花Inula japonica Thunb.或欧亚旋覆花I. britannica L.的头状花序。主产于河南、河北、江苏、浙江、安徽等地。夏、秋二季花开时采收,除去杂质,阴干或晒干。生用或蜜炙用。