Single Herb Glossary
Yuán Huā 芫花
| Pharmaceutical name | Genkwa Flos Genkwa flower |
| Category | Downward Draining |
| Key Properties | Powerfully drives out thin mucus and drains edema; Most toxic |
| Properties | Bitter Acrid Warm Slightly Toxic |
| Tropism | KD, LI, LU |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Drains Water Downwards & Drives Out Thin Mucus (From Chest & Abdomen, via Urethra & Anus) 2) Dispels Phlegm & Stops Coughing (bronchitis) 3) Kills Parasites (topical) |
| Dosages | 1.5-3g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Pregnancy, poor appetite, fatigue, weakness, Blood, Yin, Yang Deficiency, excessive bleeding, historyof ulcers, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular disorders, kidney impairment |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Genkwanin, apigenin, yuankanin, luteolin, genkwadaphnin, yuanhuacine, sitosterol, benzoic acid |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Cathartic: water and alcohol extracts stimulate intestines to increase peristalsis and promote bowel movement; in large doses, may instead have an inhibiting effect • Antitussive and expectorant: inhalation therapy using Yuan Hua solution has marked antitussive and expectorant effects in mice; mechanism of action attributed to ability to reduce inflammation and decrease viscosity of the sputum • Analgesic: decoction has mild-to-moderate analgesic action via effect on the CNS • Antibiotic: vinegar- or alcohol-processed Yuan Hua inhibits Diplococcus pneumoniae, β-hemolytic streptococcus, and influenza virus • Diuretic: in a placebo-controlled laboratory study, oral administration of decoction at 10 g/kg significantly increased excretion of water and sodium; at 20 g/kg, there was an increased excretion of water, sodium, and potassium; no effect observed at 5 to 10 g/kg |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Incompatible with Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix) |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Shi Zao Tang (Ten-Jujube Decoction) 十棗湯 Zhou Che Wan (Vessel and Vehicle Pill) (deleted qing fen) 舟車丸 （減輕粉） |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.