Xīn Yí Huā (辛夷花), known in English as Magnolia flower bud (Magnolia biondii), is a warm, acrid Chinese herb from the Release exterior (Cold) category. It enters the Lung and Stomach channels. Its main action: disperses Wind-Cold, opens nasal orifices.
| Pinyin | Xīn Yí Huā (Xin Yi Hua) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 辛夷花 |
| English | Magnolia flower bud |
| Botanical name | Magnolia biondii |
| Category | Release exterior (Cold) |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels | Lung, Stomach |
| Dosage | 3–9g (wrap in cloth when decocting) |
| Cautions | Yin deficiency with Heat; avoid prolonged use |
Actions
- Disperses Wind-Cold, opens nasal orifices
- Primary herb for nasal obstruction and sinus pain
Indications
- Wind-Cold with nasal congestion, sinus pain, rhinitis, sinusitis
- Loss of smell
How to remember Xīn Yí Huā
Release exterior (Cold) herbs are mostly warm or hot and acrid, and most enter the Lung channel.
- You can work these out
- Warm, Acrid, Lung channel: like most Release exterior (Cold) herbs
- Learn by heart
- Stomach channel: nothing in its group or its actions points to it
Other Release exterior (Cold) herbs
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Xīn Yí Huā?
Xīn Yí Huā is warm and acrid.
Which channels does Xīn Yí Huā enter?
Xīn Yí Huā enters the Lung and Stomach channels.
What are the actions of Xīn Yí Huā?
Disperses Wind-Cold, opens nasal orifices; Primary herb for nasal obstruction and sinus pain.
What is Xīn Yí Huā used for?
Wind-Cold with nasal congestion, sinus pain, rhinitis, sinusitis; loss of smell.
Practise Xīn Yí Huā and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.