Japanese Inula Herb — Classic Formulas
Jin Fei Cao · Herba Inulae
Primary Actions
- Transforms Phlegm-Dampness and descends rebellious Lung Qi
- Releases the exterior and disperses Wind-Cold
- Warms and transforms cold phlegm — especially copious, watery or frothy sputum
- Arrests cough and relieves wheezing
Classic Formulas
- Jin Fei Cao San (金沸草散) — classical formula for Wind-Cold cough with copious watery phlegm; Jin Fei Cao paired with Jing Jie, Ban Xia, Qian Hu, and Gan Cao
Classical Text References
- Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen): 'Jin Fei Cao (the whole herb) descends rebellious Qi, disperses phlegm, releases the exterior, and warms the Lung — use when Wind-Cold has not resolved and phlegm is abundant'
- Note: Jin Fei Cao (金沸草, whole aerial herb) and Xuan Fu Hua (旋覆花, flower of Inula japonica or I. britannica) are related but distinct materia medica; Jin Fei Cao has stronger exterior-releasing action while Xuan Fu Hua is more strongly descending and softening