Aster root (aster tataricus)
Synopsis of aster root
Aster root refers to the root of plants in the Aster genus, which includes numerous species such as Aster tataricus, Aster amellus, and Aster novi-belgii. In herbal medicine, the most well-known medicinal species is Aster tataricus, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Zi Wan (紫菀). This plant has been used for centuries to support lung health, resolve phlegm, and relieve coughs and respiratory discomfort.
Aster root contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, essential oils, and polysaccharides, which contribute to its expectorant, antitussive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. It works primarily on the Lung meridian, where it helps moisten dryness, ease coughing, and clear sticky or difficult-to-expectorate phlegm. It is especially valued in cases of chronic bronchitis, dry cough, or coughs with thick sputum.
The herb is often combined with other respiratory herbs in formulas like:
- Zi Wan Tang – for chronic cough with lung deficiency
- Er Chen Tang with modifications – for phlegm-damp patterns
In Western herbalism, while less commonly used, species of Aster have been noted for their soothing effects on the lungs and bronchi, and some traditional folk practices have used related roots and flowers for upper respiratory infections, throat irritation, and mild fevers.
Historical Use:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Aster tataricus (Zi Wan) has been documented for over 1,500 years, appearing in classic texts such as the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. It was classified as a warming, moistening herb that enters the Lung channel, used to treat persistent cough, wheezing, and phlegm retention. Unlike strongly drying expectorants, Zi Wan is considered gentle and suitable for long-term use in lung deficiency with chronic cough.
In Korean and Japanese Kampo medicine, Aster root is also used to support respiratory function, sometimes in combination with Platycodon root (Jie Geng) and Licorice (Gan Cao) for a balanced approach to throat and lung care.
Though not prominently featured in Ayurveda or Western traditional herbal systems, the lung-tonic role of Aster root is mirrored in other herbs used for chronic cough, phlegm, and lung dryness, such as elecampane, marshmallow root, or coltsfoot.
Today, Aster root—particularly Zi Wan—continues to be a trusted herbal remedy for respiratory health, offering soothing, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory benefits that support the lungs in both acute and chronic respiratory conditions.
Aster root is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Allergies (respiratory) (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Emphysema (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Hair Care (general) (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Headache (sinus) (Traditional)
Headache (tension) (Traditional)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Hemorrhoids (Traditional)
Hepatitis (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
aster root is used to support these body systems
Bronchials (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Sinuses (Traditional)
