Jin Fei Cao San — Inula Powder

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Jin Fei Cao San — the “Inula Powder” (jin fei cao is an older name for Xuan Fu Hua, the inula flower) — is from the Song-dynasty Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang. The formula combines Xuan Fu Hua and Ban Xia to descend rebellious Lung Qi and transform thin Phlegm-Rheum, with Jing Jie and Ma Huang to release Wind-Cold from the exterior. It is the classical choice for a recent Wind-Cold attack where copious thin watery phlegm has accumulated in the chest, producing a wet productive cough.

I prescribe Jin Fei Cao San as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Jin Fei Cao San is prescribed for Wind-Cold with Phlegm-Rheum in the Lung:

• Cough with copious thin watery white phlegm
• Chest oppression, occasional wheeze
• Aversion to cold, mild fever, no sweat
• Stuffy nose, body aches
• Mild nausea from Phlegm-Damp in the middle
• Tongue — white moist coat
• Pulse — floating, slippery

Key herbs

1. Xuan Fu Hua (Inula flower) — chief; descends Lung Qi; transforms Phlegm-Rheum
2. Ban Xia — dries Damp; transforms Phlegm; descends Qi
3. Jing Jie — releases Wind from the exterior
4. Ma Huang — releases Wind-Cold; opens the Lung
5. Qian Hu — descends Lung Qi; transforms Phlegm
6. Chi Shao — moves Blood; balances drying herbs
7. Gan Cao, Sheng Jiang, Da Zao — harmonise the middle

Formula actions

1. Releases Wind-Cold from the exterior
2. Descends Lung Qi
3. Transforms thin Phlegm-Rheum
4. Stops cough

Conditions treated

1. Acute bronchitis with thin watery phlegm
2. Acute exacerbation of COPD with cold-pattern
3. Common cold with prominent productive cough
4. Post-viral cough with persistent thin watery phlegm
5. Bronchiectasis flare with thin phlegm
6. Cold-pattern asthma with copious clear secretions

Cautions

Contains Ma Huang — contraindicated in hypertension, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, and with MAO inhibitors or sympathomimetics.

Xuan Fu Hua should be wrapped in cheesecloth during traditional decoction; granule form bypasses this issue.

Not appropriate for Lung Heat (yellow phlegm, fever, thirst) or dry cough from Yin deficiency.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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