Aster Root – 1 lb (454 g)

Aster Root, known in Chinese as 紫菀 (Zǐwǎn) and scientifically as Radix Asteris, is a valued herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This TCM herb has been traditionally used to support natural wellness, maintain vitality, and encourage holistic balance. At TCMforyou.com, we provide premium-quality Aster Root carefully sourced to preserve its therapeutic properties.

As a herbal supplement, Aster Root helps promote overall well-being and supports natural energy, immunity, and balance. Integrating this herb into your wellness routine offers a gentle, time-tested approach to enhancing daily health. Whether brewed as tea, added to herbal remedies, or taken as part of a TCM formula, Aster Root provides a safe, natural way to experience the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine.

Trusted for centuries, Aster Root has been used in TCM to harmonize the body and encourage optimal functioning of key systems. At TCMforyou, we prioritize authenticity and quality. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure purity and potency, delivering an herbal product aligned with traditional practices.

Experience the natural support of Aster Root, promoting immune health, vitality, and holistic well-being. Embrace the wisdom of TCM and incorporate this gentle, effective herbal remedy into your daily wellness journey.

[Overview] This herb is also known as Qingwan, Ziwan Grass, and Huanhuncao Root. It is the root and rhizome of Aster tataricus L.f., a plant of the Asteraceae family. It is mainly produced in Anguo, Hebei and Bozhou, Anhui. Harvested in spring and autumn, the roots are dug up, with the segmented rhizomes (commonly called “mother roots”) and mud removed, then braided and dried in the sun until completely dry.

[Properties] Pungent and bitter in taste, warm in nature. Enters the Lung meridian.

[Actions] Moistens the lungs and descends Qi, transforms phlegm and stops cough.

[Applications]
1. Used for cough with phlegm, applicable for both external contraction and internal injury. For wind-cold obstructing the lungs with persistent cough and unsmooth expectoration, often combined with Jingjie (Schizonepeta), Jiegeng (Platycodon), Baibu (Stemona), as in Zhisou San (Stop Cough Powder). For lung deficiency with chronic cough and blood-streaked sputum, often combined with Ejiao (Donkey-hide gelatin), Zhimu (Anemarrhena), Beimu (Fritillaria). For prolonged cough not healing, often used together with Kuandonghua (Tussilago flower).
2. Used for urinary retention, can be used alone or combined with Fuling (Poria) and Tongcao (Tetrapanax).

[Dosage and Administration] Internal use: decoction, 5–9 g; or incorporated into pills or powders. To moisten the lungs, it is preferable to use honey-fried.

[Cautions] Use with caution in cases of excess heat or yin deficiency with dry cough.

[Modern Research]
1. Chemical constituents: Ziwan contains oleanane-type triterpenoids, oleanane-type triterpenoid alcohols, aster ketones, aster glycosides A, B, and C, aster saponins A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, aster pentapeptides A and B, aster chlorinated cyclic pentapeptide C; also contains phytosterol glucosides and volatile oils. Components of the volatile oil include farnesol, farnesyl acetate, anethole, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, and aromatic acids.
2. Pharmacological effects: Decoctions of Ziwan and its constituents such as aster ketones and aster saponins have expectorant effects; they inhibit bacteria including Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Escherichia coli, Proteus species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; also show significant inhibitory effects on common pathogenic fungi and influenza virus; the contained oleanane-type triterpenoid alcohol exhibits inhibitory effects on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice.