Xuan Fu Hua (旋覆花) — Inula Flower
Xuan Fu Hua is the primary Chinese herb for rebellious Qi ascending — hiccups, belching, reflux, nausea and Phlegm-related wheezing. Uniquely among flowers, it is descending in action, and is a specific for Stomach and Lung Qi that has become upward-rebellious.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Xuan Fu Hua (旋覆花) — Inula Flower (Inula britannica (flower)) — is a Chinese herb in the Transform Phlegm (descend Qi) category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Xuan Fu Hua |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 旋覆花 |
| Latin name | Inula britannica (flower) |
| English name | Inula Flower |
| Nature | Slightly warm |
| Flavour | Bitter, acrid, salty |
| Channels entered | Lung, Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine |
| Category | Transform Phlegm (descend Qi) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Descends rebellious Qi and transforms Phlegm
- Redirects Stomach Qi downward
- Reduces water build-up
Indications
- Persistent hiccups and belching
- Reflux with vomiting
- Cough with copious phlegm and wheezing
- Fullness in the chest with Phlegm-Rheum
4. Dosage
3–9g (wrapped — the flower hairs irritate the throat)
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Wrap in cloth when decocting to prevent throat irritation
- Reduce in Yin-deficient dry cough
- Not for Wind-Cold cough
6. Key formulas
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Xuan Fu Hua where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
