Inula japonica

Inula japonica, known in Chinese medicine as “Jin Qian Cao,” has a long history of use as an inhalation and oral remedy for respiratory ailments. Among the Han Chinese, the dried root is boiled into a decoction to relieve cough, asthma, and bronchitis (Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 2020). In Korea, the same root is macerated in alcohol to produce a tincture that is taken for sore throat and pharyngitis, as documented by Kim et al., 2015. Japanese traditional practitioners also prepare a mild tea from the leaves and young stems to soothe cough and clear phlegm, a practice recorded in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, 2019. In all three cultures, the plant is used in infusion or decoction form, with the root being the most common part, followed by leaves and stems.

A simple, safe tea can be made at home. Take 5 g of dried Inula japonica root, add it to 250 ml of boiling water, and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink 2–3 cups per day, preferably after meals. Because the plant contains bioactive lactones, it is advisable to limit intake to 3 cups daily and avoid use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have liver disease or are taking anticoagulants, consult a healthcare professional before use.

The therapeutic effects of Inula japonica are largely attributed to its sesquiterpene lactones, especially helenalin, which has documented anti‑inflammatory activity. Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol are also present and contribute antioxidant properties. The essential oil of the root contains β‑caryophyllene and α‑humulene, compounds that have bronchodilator and cough‑suppressant actions. These constituents together explain the plant’s traditional use for clearing mucus, reducing airway inflammation, and easing cough.

Modern research continues to explore Inula japonica’s anti‑inflammatory and bronchodilator potential, with several in‑vitro studies confirming the activity of helenalin and quercetin. Commercial herbal tea blends featuring Inula japonica are now available in health‑food stores, and the plant is still used by traditional healers in East Asia, underscoring its enduring relevance.

No documented non‑medicinal commercial or industrial uses have been reported for Inula japonica. While the species is used as an ornamental and cut flower in East Asian horticulture, there are no verifiable references for food/beverage ingredients, colorants/tanning agents, wood/fiber products, fragrance/cosmetics, or technical materials derived from this taxon. Scientific/model‑organism use is not supported by references specific to I. japonica.

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