Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Inulae Flos / Inulae Herba |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 金沸草 · Jin Fei Cao |
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| Medicinal Part | Flowers |
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| Efficacy Category | Phlegm-resolving |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried capitulum and aerial part of Inula japonica Thunb. or Inula britannica L. (Asteraceae); the flower is Xuan Fu Hua, the herb Jin Fei Cao. |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter, Acrid, Salty; Slightly warm |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Large Intestine |
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What Is Jin Fei Cao?
Jin Fei Cao (Inula) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Jiangsu, Hebei and Zhejiang.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter, Acrid, Salty; Slightly warm
Channels Entered: Lung, Large Intestine
Jin Fei Cao: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Inulae Flos / Inulae Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried capitulum and aerial part of Inula japonica Thunb. or Inula britannica L. (Asteraceae); the flower is Xuan Fu Hua, the herb Jin Fei Cao.
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Jiangsu, Hebei and Zhejiang.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has intact yellowish capitula and tender green herbage.
Macroscopic Features
Capitula spherical, 1~2cm across, with numerous yellowish ligulate florets and a hairy receptacle; stems and leaves grey-green, pubescent; slightly bitter and salty.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter, Acrid, Salty; Slightly warmLungLarge Intestine
Traditional Functions
Directs qi downward, transforms phlegm, and calms wheezing. Apply to cough and wheezing with copious phlegm, and epigastric focal distension with belching.
How Jin Fei Cao Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Jin Fei Cao is classified among the Phlegm-resolving herbs. It appears in 1 classical formulas in our library.
Formulas containing Jin Fei Cao are traditionally used for:
CoughAsthma & Wheezing
Classical Formulas Containing Jin Fei Cao
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jin Fei Cao? Is Xuan Fu Hua the same?
Official Jin Fei Cao (金沸草) is the dried aerial part of Inula japonica or Inula britannica. The pharmacopoeial name is Inulae Herba. Xuan Fu Hua is the flower head: bitter-acrid-salty and slightly warm, descends qi, disperses phlegm, promotes water and stops vomiting. Write Jin Fei Cao. Yin-vacuity consumptive cough is contraindicated.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Jin Fei Cao?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Jin Fei Cao is salty and warm, enters the Lung and Large Intestine channels, and acts to descend qi, disperse phlegm and promote water. It is used for external wind-cold, phlegm-rheum accumulation, cough and panting with much phlegm, and chest and diaphragm oppression and fullness. Salty and warm, it suits wind-cold with phlegm-rheum—not yin-vacuity consumptive cough, or warm-heat dry cough.
How do you choose raw versus honey-fried herb? Can Xuan Fu Hua replace it?
Raw herb is stronger for descending qi and dispersing phlegm. Honey-frying leans to moistening the Lung and stopping cough. The flower leans to stopping vomiting and descending counterflow; it cannot replace promoting water by equal weight. Commercial inula tea is not equal-weight pieces.
Learn More About Jin Fei Cao
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Jin Fei Cao.
Read the Jin Fei Cao Guide →
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
