Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Radix Asteris |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 紫菀 · Zi Wan |
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| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
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| Efficacy Category | Phlegm-resolving |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried root and rhizome of Aster tataricus L. f.(Asteraceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid, Bitter; Warm |
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| Channels Entered | Lung |
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What Is Zi Wan?
Zi Wan (Aster Root) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in northeastern and northwestern China, as well as the province of Anhui.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid, Bitter; Warm
Channels Entered: Lung
Zi Wan: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Radix Asteris
Botanical Origin
The dried root and rhizome of Aster tataricus L. f.(Asteraceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in northeastern and northwestern China, as well as the province of Anhui.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has long root, purplish-red color, without foreign matter, with soft and pliable texture.
Macroscopic Features
Irregular lumps, uneven size, apex has remnants of stem and leaf, base occasionally has remnants of main root, slightly hard texture. numerous thin roots grow from the rhizomes, 3~15cm long, 0.1~0.3cm diameter, often braided into braid; externally purplish-red or grayish-red, with longitudinal wrinkles; relatively soft and pliable texture. Slightly aromatic odor, sweet and slightly bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid, Bitter; WarmLung
Traditional Functions
Moistens lung, downbears qi, transforms phlegm, relieves cough. Apply to cough and panting with excessive phlegm, acute and chronic cough, strained cough and hemoptysis.
Classical Formulas Containing Zi Wan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zi Wan? Are Kuan Dong Hua, Bai Bu and Jie Geng the same?
Official Zi Wan (紫菀) is the dried root and rhizome of Aster tataricus. The pharmacopoeial name is Asteris Radix et Rhizoma. The noded mother rhizome is removed at harvest. Kuan Dong Hua is acrid, slightly bitter and warm: moistens the Lung, downbears qi, stops cough and transforms phlegm; the flower bud is used. Bai Bu is sweet-bitter and slightly warm: moistens the Lung, downbears qi, stops cough and kills parasites. Jie Geng is bitter-acrid and neutral: diffuses the Lung, benefits the throat, dispels phlegm and expels pus. Write Zi Wan. Use caution in excess heat.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Zi Wan?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Zi Wan is acrid, bitter and warm, enters the Lung channel, and acts to moisten the Lung, downbear qi, eliminate phlegm and stop cough. It is used for wheezing cough with copious phlegm, recent or chronic cough, and taxation cough with blood. Acrid-warm, moistening and downbearing, it suits wheezing cough with copious phlegm—not dry cough from excess heat used alone.
How do you choose raw versus honey-fried Zi Wan? Can Kuan Dong Hua replace it?
Raw material leans to downbearing qi and transforming phlegm—exterior or excess cough. Honey-frying until it no longer sticks to the hand is better at moistening the Lung and stopping cough—Lung-vacuity chronic cough. Coltsfoot stops cough and transforms phlegm; it cannot replace moistening the Lung and downbearing qi by equal weight. Commercial aster tea is not equal-weight pieces.
Learn More About Zi Wan
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Zi Wan.
Read the Zi Wan Guide →
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
