Xuan Fu Hua, British yellowhead

Inula britannica

Physical Characteristics

Inula britannica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Europe to E. Asia. Formerly naturalized in Britain, but probably now extinct there[17].

Habitats

Meadow; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antiemetic Cancer Carminative Cholagogue Deobstruent Depurative Diuretic Expectorant Laxative Resolvent Stomachic Tonic Vulnerary Xuan Fu Hua is used in Chinese herbalism as a mildly warming expectorant remedy and it is especially suitable where phlegm has accumulated in the chest[254]. The flowers are more commonly used, but the leaves are also used, generally for less serious conditions[254]. The leaf is discutient and vulnerary[218]. The flowers are antibacterial, carminative, cholagogue, deobstruent, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, stomachic and tonic[218]. They are used internally in the treatment of bronchial complaints with profuse phlegm, nausea and vomiting, hiccups and flatulence[176, 238]. The flowers have an antibacterial action, but this can be destroyed by proteins in the body[176]. The plant is harvested when in flower and can be dried for later use[254]. The root is discutient, resolvent and vulnerary[218]. The plant has been mentioned as a possible treatment for cancer of the oesophagus[218].

Known Hazards

None known