Subscribe Latest Edition
Herb Central

Herbs & Botanicals



 |  A  |  B  |  C  |  D  |  E  |  F  |  G  |  H  |  I  |  J  |  K  |  L  |  M  |  N  |  O  |  P  |  Q  |  R  |  S  |  T  |  U  |  V  |  W  |  X  |  Z  | 

Aster (zi wan)

What is aster? What is it used for?

Aster is an average-sized perennial plant native to east Asia. It blooms in September in October, and flourishes in sunny areas with moist, wet soils. In China, aster is produced predominantly in the Hebei and Anhui provinces. It is usually harvested in the spring or autumn, with the root used for medicinal purposes.

Aster root is purple and stringy, and resembles a pile of spaghetti in appearance. The roots are braided after being plucked, and allowed to dry in the sun. After being dried, they are usually cut into thick slices. Raw aster root is sometimes fried with honey before use. Aster root contains many chemicals that act as expectorants, along with a volatile oil.

Aster root is considered bitter and warm according to traditional Chinese medicine principles, and is associated with the Lung meridian. Its strongest functions are to relieve cough and expel phlegm, although it is also used to moisten the lungs and redirect qi. Today, aster root is used to treat violent, phlegmy coughs and other respiratory conditions, and to relieve pulmonary abscesses. Aster root is typically used in combination with platycodon and fritillaria to help stop coughs and get rid of phlegmy obstructions.

How much aster should I take?

The typical dosage of aster root is 3-9 grams per day, decocted in water for oral use. Some practitioners may recommend a slightly higher dose (5-10 grams).

What forms of aster are available?

Raw aster root (fried with honey) can be found at many Asian markets and herbal shops. Dried, sliced aster root is available at some specialty stores, as are aster tablets, powders and decoctions.

What can happen if I take too much aster? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should I take?

While there are no accounts of any adverse effects associated with taking too much aster root, it should be used with caution by patients experiencing excessive heat syndrome. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with aster root. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provide before taking aster root or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

References

  • Lu YH, et al. The chemical composition of zi wan. Journal of Pharmacy University of China 1998;29(2):97-99.
  • Zhang JM, et al. The chemical composition of huizhi zi wan (aster poliothamnus Diels). Journal of Chinese Medicine 1997;22(2):103-104.
  • He L, et al. The chemical composition of xiaoshe zi wan (aster albescens). Journal of Chinese Medicine 1996;21(8):483-484.
  • Zhao XG, et al. Zi wan (III): A comparison of the herb's expectorant and antitussive effects among different origins. Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 1999;30(1):353-7.
  • Li Y, et al. The effect of zi wan and gan cao on the trachea in guinea pigs. Chinese Medicine Information 1999;16(4):47.
Trending
Your Practice / Business
Ensuring Success With First-Time Clients
Ensuring Success With First-Time Clients

As modern medical standardization continues, the field of traditional Chinese medicine has the advantage of comprehensive personalization. For rare or complex cases, deeper consideration of constitution is invaluable. Proper constitutional assessment, especially with first-time clients, can guide desirable and predictable outcomes. This leads to a higher rate of return, and greater trust between you and your patient. 

Shayla Thompson, MAOM, LAc, Dipl. OM
Health Care / Public Health
A Return-on-Health Framework for Whole-Person Care (Pt. 2)
A Return-on-Health Framework for Whole-Person Care

Though the creation of a financially sustainable, health-promoting model feels far away today, we are casting a vision for a full return on health, believing that this compels us to keep one foot firmly rooted in caring for the sick and the other foot firmly founded in maintaining health. Shifting from a fee-for-service model to value-based care using a phased approach is paramount.

Leng Tang-Ritchie, DAOM, MSTOM, LAc; Amanda Azadian, BS
Your Practice / Business
Demystifying the Use of Laser Therapy in TCM Clinics
Demystifying the Use of Laser Therapy in TCM Clinics

Laser therapy has emerged as a powerful tool in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This new modality fits beautifully into the toolbox of the modern acupuncturist, as it can be used as a hybrid form of stimulation to acupuncture points, meridians, organs, nerves, and symptomatic areas in a new way that blends both moxa and energetic needle-like responses.

Dustin Dillberg, DACM, LAc, PAS