1. Description:
Aster tataricus (also known as Tatarinow’s aster, Chinese: 紫菀, 青菀, 紫倩, 还魂草, 夜牵牛, 返魂草), a species of flowering herb in genus Aster (Asteraceae family). Found in North China, Mongolia, North Korea and Japan, the plant can grow up to 50 cm tall. The dried root of aster tataricus acts as antiasthmatic, antitussive and hemostatic in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) used in treating diseases including lung related coughing and throat impediment.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The root and flower of aster tataricus is considered to have bitter and warm properties and to be associated with the lung meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Aster Tataricus & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Coughing
A decoction of aster tataricus flower is taken orally to threat lung related coughing.
A decoction of aster tataricus flower, coltsfoot flower and the tuber of stemona is taken to treat chronic coughing.
3.2 Throat Heath
Smashed aster tataricus root is used in treating throat impediment.
3.3 Bleeding Stopping
Powdered aster tataricus root is taken with water to treat postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).
Pills made with aster tataricus root, Schisandra chinensis and honey is taken to heal coughing with hematemesis.
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.