Inula
Also called: Elecampane
Profile
| Latin Name | Inula graveolens |
| Chinese Name | Xuan Fu Hua |
| Family | Asteraceae/Compositae |
| Note | Base |
| Aroma | <Moderate> Spicy, Balsamic |
| Color | Blue Green |
| Parts Distilled | Roots Regions: Indonesia, China |
| Taste | Spicy |
| Nature | Slightly Cooling |
| Affinity | LU/LR |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Ketones (lactones-isolactone, alantolactone) |
| Skin Type | Itchy Skin Dosage: 1% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Clear chronic Lung heat
- Descend qi to calm rebellion and expel phlegm
Indications
- Lung Heat with respiratory congestion - asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, dry-hacking cough, pertussis/whooping cough, eczema, psoriasis (LU- 10, LU-1, LI-11, BL-13, BL-17)
- Rebellious Qi - e.g., acute episodes of vomiting, coughing, hypertension (use cleft-xi with associated rebellious channel)
Topical Applications
- Apply 1% dilution of Inula (20%), Eucalyptus globulus/radiata (50%), and Blue Chamomile (30%) with Sunflower Oil over the upper back for Lung Heat.
- Apply 2% dilution of Inula (25%), Peppermint (25%), Rosemary verbenone (25%), and Eucalyptus globulus/radiata (25%) for sinusitis or rhinitis. Apply over the nasal region
Other Applications
- Diffuse for respiratory congestion. Specific Protocol(s): See Topical Application above.
Actions
- Expectorant
- Respiratory decongestant
Contraindications & Cautions
- Toxic