- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- East Asia, especially China
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 722
Aster tataricus
Herb · Asia
Tatarian aster root (zi wan)
Aster tataricus
Traditionally attributed effects: dissolves phlegm and stops cough in cough from cold with much phlegm.
Safety notes
Caution with yin deficiency; not for long periods. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Root. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough'. Zi wan soothes the lungs in chronic cough with phlegm and blood. It is often roasted with honey and is part of Zhi Sou San.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- bitter, sweet, slightly warm
- Meridians
- lung
Attributed effects
For cough from cold with much phlegm or blood in the phlegm; dissolves phlegm and is mildly antibacterial.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction.
Combinations
- With jing jie and coltsfoot flower for cough with much phlegm
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction