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Xuanfu Hua (Inulae Flos)

Salty, sweet; warm, slightly cold and purgative in nature; slightly toxic. Primarily treats qi stagnation causing fullness under the hypochondrium, palpitations; eliminates fluid retention, removes cold-heat pathogens between the five zang organs, tonifies the middle jiao, directs rebellious qi downward; resolves phlegm accumulation in the chest and epigastrium, treats sticky sputum resembling glue or lacquer, phlegm-fluid accumulation in the heart and hypochondrium, retained fluids in the bladder; treats wind-damp bi syndrome, dead flesh in the skin, eye discharge (shi), promotes bowel movement, unblocks blood vessels, enhances complexion luster. Also known as Daishen, also known as Jinfei Cao, also known as Shengshen. Its root primarily treats wind-dampness. Grows in marshes, rivers, and valleys. Flowers are harvested in May, dried in the sun, and processed over twenty days.

Tao Hongjing stated: It grows in low-lying wetlands near the capital roads, resembling chrysanthemum but larger. Additionally, there is another Xuanfu root from Henan, also found in northern regions, resembling Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong); it is only suitable for making Xuanfu paste and is not used in other prescriptions; this is not the root of this Xuanfu Hua. Tang Ben Zhu stated: Xuanfu root is in the Middle Category. Tao said: The seedling resembles ginger, the root resembles Galangal Root (Gao Liang Jiang) but is thinner; this is Shanjiang. Clinically, it is not Xuanfu root. Now it is reported that those coming from northern regions resemble Chuanxiong, and Chuanxiong is very similar to Galangal Root. Minister Yuxi et al., according to Shu Ben Tu Jing, stated: Xuanfu Hua, leaves resemble Perilla Fructus (Shuisu), flowers yellow like chrysanthemum. It is now available everywhere, harvested from June to September. Yao Xing Lun stated: Xuanfu Hua, used as an envoy drug, sweet in taste, non-toxic. Primarily treats descending qi in the hypochondrium, edema due to cold-heat, primary treatment for retained water in the bladder, eliminates abdominal distension with fluid, opens the stomach, stops vomiting and inability to eat. Erya stated: [Character], Daogeng. Annotation: Xuanfu resembles chrysanthemum. Sub-commentary: [Character], also named Daogeng. Xiao Bing stated: Xuan (level tone) uses the flower, [Character] Xuan (slow wish reverse pronunciation) uses the root. Ri Huazi stated: Non-toxic. Brightens the eyes, treats headache due to wind, unblocks blood vessels. Leaves stop bleeding from metal wounds.

Tu Jing stated: Xuanfu Hua grows in marshes and valleys, now available everywhere. Seedlings emerge after February, mostly near water, resembling Honglan grass but without thorns, growing one to two chi long, leaves like willow, stem thin. Flowers bloom in June like chrysanthemum, size of a small copper coin, deep yellow. People in fields of Shangdang call it Jinqian Hua, harvested in July and August. Dried in the sun, processed over twenty days. Now, Jinqian Hua planted in gardens near the capital has flowers and leaves as described above, thriving easily, likely the Xuanfu mentioned in the classics. Zhang Zhongjing treated post-sweat/post-purge typhoid with stubborn epigastric fullness and persistent belching using Qiwu Xuanfu Daizhe Tang. For miscellaneous women's diseases, there is Sanwu Xuanfu Tang. Hu Qia had Xuanfu Wan for treating phlegm-fluid in the hypochondrium causing fullness, used extensively.

Lei Gong stated: After harvesting, remove the shell skin wrapping the stamen and the pedicel, take the stamen, steam from Si hour to Wu hour, dry in the sun for use. Waitai Miyao: Emergency method for reconnecting severed tendons: Take clean Xuanfu herb roots, wash off soil, pound, apply according to wound size. Change once or twice daily until healed. Another prescription: For severed tendons. Pound Xuanfu root, extract juice, drip into the wound, seal with residue on top. After fifteen days, the severed tendon will reconnect. This prescription was effective when used by a Liao slave in Su Jingzhong's family. Jingyan Houfang: Treats stroke and stagnation. Wash Xuanfu Hua to remove dust, pound into powder, make pills with refined honey the size of paulownia seeds. Take 5 to 7, or 10 pills at night with tea water. Mei Shi Fang: Stops bleeding from metal wounds, pound Xuanfu Hua seedlings and apply to the wound.

Yanyi stated: Xuanfu Hua, leaves resemble large chrysanthemum or mugwort. Flowers appear in August and September, size of paulownia seeds, pale yellow-green, lush, round and hanging down, which is unique. Its fragrance exceeds chrysanthemum, moves phlegm-fluid, dispels wind from head and eyes. Taste is sweet, bitter, pungent; it is also a dispersing drug. Its Xuanhua blooms in April and May, a different species, not this flower. Volume 7 has detailed it.