Traditional Chinese Medicine has a rich history of incorporating flowers into topical preparations, including medicated oils, ointments, salves, and balms. These external applications harness the therapeutic properties of flowers to treat skin conditions, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most important flowers used in TCM oils and ointments.
Safflower Oil (紅花油 – Hong Hua You)
Safflower oil is one of the most widely recognized TCM topical preparations. Made by infusing safflower petals in a base oil, it’s used extensively for treating traumatic injuries, bruising, sprains, and muscle strains. The oil’s blood-invigorating and stasis-dispelling properties make it excellent for reducing swelling and relieving pain from sports injuries or accidents. Safflower oil is typically massaged into the affected area several times daily. It’s particularly effective when applied immediately after injury to prevent blood stagnation. The oil penetrates deeply into tissues to promote circulation and accelerate healing. Modern formulations often combine safflower with camphor, menthol, or wintergreen oil for enhanced analgesic effects.
Flos Carthami Ointment (紅花膏 – Hong Hua Gao)
Beyond simple oils, safflower is incorporated into thicker ointments and salves, often combined with beeswax and other herbs. These preparations provide longer-lasting contact with the skin and are preferred for chronic pain conditions like arthritis, old injuries, or persistent muscle tension. The ointment form allows for slow, sustained release of the active compounds, making it ideal for overnight application or when sustained therapeutic action is needed.
Osmanthus Flower Oil (桂花油 – Gui Hua You)
Osmanthus flower oil is valued in TCM for its warming, analgesic, and aromatic properties. The oil is created by macerating fresh osmanthus flowers in sesame or other carrier oils. It’s used to treat cold-type pain conditions, including stomachache from cold, toothache, and joint pain that worsens in cold weather. The oil’s warming nature makes it particularly suitable for elderly patients or those with yang deficiency. Osmanthus oil is also used in cosmetic applications for its pleasant fragrance and skin-nourishing properties. Some practitioners incorporate it into massage oils for abdominal massage to relieve digestive discomfort and cold-induced cramping.
Rose Oil Preparations (玫瑰油 – Mei Gui You)
Rose oil in TCM formulations differs from Western aromatherapy rose oil in its preparation and intended use. TCM rose oil is typically an infusion rather than an essential oil distillation. It’s used in ointments for its qi-regulating and blood-invigorating properties, particularly for treating stagnation-related skin conditions. Rose oil preparations are applied to areas of the body where qi and blood stagnation manifest as pain, tightness, or poor circulation. The oil is gentle enough for facial application and is sometimes used in traditional beauty preparations to improve complexion and reduce age spots, which TCM attributes to blood stasis. Rose ointments are also used for breast tenderness related to liver qi stagnation and menstrual issues.
Flos Lonicerae Oil (金銀花油 – Jin Yin Hua You)
Honeysuckle flower oil is primarily used for its heat-clearing and toxin-resolving properties in topical applications. The oil is prepared by infusing honeysuckle flowers and is used to treat various skin infections, including boils, carbuncles, abscesses, and infected wounds. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it valuable for treating acne, eczema with heat signs, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Honeysuckle oil is often combined with other heat-clearing herbs like forsythia or dandelion in compound ointments. The preparation is cooling in nature, making it suitable for hot, red, swollen skin conditions but inappropriate for cold-type conditions or wounds showing signs of deficiency.
Chrysanthemum Flower Oil (菊花油 – Ju Hua You)
Chrysanthemum flower oil is used in TCM topical preparations primarily for eye-related conditions and headaches. The oil is applied to the temples, forehead, or around the eyes to relieve headaches, particularly those related to liver yang rising or wind-heat. For eye strain and redness, the oil may be applied around (never directly in) the eyes. Chrysanthemum preparations are also used in facial oils to reduce inflammation, soothe irritated skin, and address acne related to heat patterns. The flower’s cooling and liver-clearing properties translate well to topical use, particularly for conditions affecting the head and face.
Flos Magnoliae Ointment (辛夷膏 – Xin Yi Gao)
Magnolia flower ointment is specifically formulated for nasal conditions. The ointment is applied inside the nostrils or around the nasal passages to treat nasal congestion, rhinitis, and sinusitis. The warming, acrid properties of magnolia flower help open nasal passages and reduce inflammation. Traditional preparation involves grinding dried magnolia buds into powder and mixing with petroleum jelly, beeswax, or other ointment bases. Some formulations combine magnolia with menthol or peppermint for enhanced decongestant effects. The ointment is typically applied two to three times daily, and patients should avoid blowing their nose immediately after application to allow absorption.
Chinese Trumpet Creeper Oil (凌霄花油 – Ling Xiao Hua You)
Chinese trumpet creeper flower is incorporated into oils and ointments for treating skin conditions related to blood stagnation and wind. The oil is used for psoriasis, vitiligo, stubborn eczema, and other chronic skin conditions that TCM attributes to blood stasis or wind penetration. The flower’s blood-invigorating and wind-dispelling properties make it useful for conditions that don’t respond to simple anti-inflammatory treatments. Trumpet creeper preparations are also used for menstrual pain when applied to the lower abdomen, though this application is less common than internal use. Due to its potent blood-moving properties, it should not be used on broken skin or during pregnancy.
Cockscomb Flower Ointment (雞冠花膏 – Ji Guan Hua Gao)
Cockscomb flower ointment utilizes the flower’s astringent and hemostatic properties for external applications. It’s used to treat bleeding hemorrhoids, minor cuts that won’t stop bleeding, and weeping skin conditions. The ointment is prepared by extracting the flowers and combining with a thickening agent. Red cockscomb is preferred for bleeding conditions, while white cockscomb is used for weeping, discharge-type skin problems. The preparation can also be used for fungal skin infections, particularly those with moisture or discharge. The astringent nature helps dry up excessive secretions while promoting tissue healing.
Jasmine Flower Oil (茉莉花油 – Mo Li Hua You)
Jasmine flower oil in TCM preparations is used both medicinally and cosmetically. The oil is prepared by infusing jasmine flowers in a base oil and is valued for its qi-regulating and mood-lifting properties. Topically, it’s used in massage oils for treating stress-related muscle tension, particularly in the chest and abdomen where qi stagnation often manifests. Jasmine oil is incorporated into breast massage oils to prevent or treat mastitis and to promote lactation. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin and children. In traditional beauty preparations, jasmine oil is used to improve skin elasticity and provide a calming, uplifting aromatic effect.
Cotton Rose Ointment (芙蓉花膏 – Fu Rong Hua Gao)
Cotton rose flower ointment is a traditional remedy for burns, scalds, abscesses, and other acute inflammatory skin conditions. Fresh cotton rose flowers are traditionally pounded into a paste or dried flowers are powdered and mixed with oils or fats to create the ointment. The preparation has cooling, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerating properties. It’s applied directly to burns (after cooling), boils, carbuncles, and insect bites. The ointment helps reduce pain, prevent infection, and promote healing. Cotton rose preparations are particularly valued for their ability to draw out pus from abscesses and promote the formation of healthy granulation tissue.
Lotus Flower Oil (蓮花油 – Lian Hua You)
Lotus flower oil embodies the cooling, heart-clearing properties of the lotus in topical form. The oil is used in cosmetic preparations to cool and soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote a calm, clear complexion. In medicinal applications, lotus flower oil is used for heat-type skin conditions, minor burns, and sunburn. The oil is also incorporated into meditation and relaxation massage oils, reflecting the flower’s spiritual significance in Chinese culture. Lotus preparations are generally very gentle and suitable for sensitive skin types. Some formulations combine multiple parts of the lotus plant—flowers, leaves, and seeds—for synergistic effects.
Silk Tree Flower Oil (合歡花油 – He Huan Hua You)
Silk tree flower oil is unique in TCM topical preparations for its spirit-calming and mood-regulating properties that work through both aromatic and transdermal absorption. The oil is used in massage preparations for treating insomnia, anxiety, and depression-related muscle tension. It’s particularly effective when massaged into the temples, back of the neck, and along the spine before bedtime. Silk tree flower oil is also used topically for traumatic injuries with accompanying emotional trauma, as TCM recognizes the connection between physical injury and emotional distress. The oil can be combined with other spirit-calming herbs like lavender or sandalwood in compound preparations.
Preparation Methods
Traditional preparation of flower oils involves several methods. The most common is maceration, where dried or fresh flowers are steeped in a carrier oil (typically sesame, camellia, or vegetable oil) for several weeks, with the jar placed in sunlight or gentle heat. The flowers are strained out and sometimes the process is repeated with fresh flowers to increase potency. For ointments, the flower oil is combined with beeswax, petroleum jelly, or animal fats while warm, then cooled and stored. Some preparations use alcohol extraction first, then incorporate the alcohol extract into oil bases. Modern methods may use heat acceleration or ultrasonic extraction to speed the process.
Application Techniques
TCM emphasizes proper application techniques for topical flower preparations. For oils intended to invigorate blood and relieve pain, such as safflower oil, vigorous massage in circular motions helps drive the medicine into deeper tissues. For cooling, anti-inflammatory preparations like honeysuckle oil, gentle patting or light spreading is preferred to avoid generating heat through friction. The direction of application also matters—generally following the direction of meridian flow or toward the heart to promote circulation. Timing can be important too; warming oils are best applied during the day or early evening, while cooling preparations can be used any time, including before bed.
Safety Considerations
When using TCM flower oils and ointments, several precautions apply. First, always perform a patch test for allergic reactions, especially with potent flowers like trumpet creeper or datura. Never apply oils to broken skin unless specifically formulated for wound care. Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and open wounds except with appropriate preparations. Pregnant women should avoid blood-invigorating oils like safflower and trumpet creeper. Be cautious with photosensitive preparations—some flower oils may increase sun sensitivity. Store oils properly in dark glass bottles away from heat and light to prevent rancidity. If skin irritation, redness, or rash develops, discontinue use immediately. Always consult with a qualified TCM practitioner for appropriate selection and use, especially for chronic conditions.
Modern Applications
Contemporary TCM practice often combines traditional flower oils and ointments with modern understanding of dermatology and pharmacology. Many commercial preparations now standardize active compounds and undergo quality testing. Some practitioners integrate these traditional preparations into modern massage therapy, acupuncture treatments, and comprehensive pain management protocols. Research into the bioactive compounds in these flowers continues to validate many traditional uses while occasionally revealing new applications. The gentle, natural approach of flower-based topical preparations appeals to patients seeking alternatives to synthetic medications, though efficacy varies by condition and individual response.
The art of using flowers in TCM oils and ointments represents centuries of empirical knowledge about how these delicate plant parts can be preserved and concentrated for therapeutic use on the body’s surface, offering an accessible, often pleasant-smelling complement to internal herbal medicine.
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