Zi Cao Gen Granules, 100g

Zi Cao, known in English as Arnebia Root or Lithospermum Root, is a cold property herb classified under the Clear Heat and Cool Blood category of the Chinese Materia Medica. It targets the Heart and Liver channels and is valued for its ability to clear Heat, cool and invigorate the Blood, eliminate Fire toxins, promote rash expression, moisten the Intestines, and dispel Damp-Heat from the skin.

TCM Herb Profile

Zi Cao is primarily indicated for Xue Stage Heat, Blood Heat, and Toxic Heat presentations accompanied by dark purple rashes, such as eczema, measles, and chickenpox. It is also used for Blood Heat constipation and rashes accompanied by constipation or urinary dysfunction, as well as for Damp-Heat skin lesions or vaginal itching when applied topically. It may also be applied topically to burns and wounds.

Two species are encompassed under the name Zi Cao: Arnebia, which is softer and referred to as "soft purple herb," and Lithospermi, which is harder and called "hard purple herb." Most classical sources identify Lithospermi as the proper herb for Zi Cao.

Zi Cao treats most skin diseases, cuts, and burns, and is said to cure malignant sores, eruptions, smallpox, and tinea.

This herb is reported to cure jaundice with flaming fever in the morning. It is noted as not effective for those with red or black flecks on the body; for such cases, the herb is used to fumigate the arches of the feet, palms, and points DU-20 and LI-8. 

Comparison: Zi Cao and Niu Bang Zi

Both Zi Cao and Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii) resolve toxicity, vent rashes, moisten the bowels, and unblock the Intestines. Zi Cao is best for clearing and regulating Blood Heat, with a lesser ability to eliminate Damp-Heat; it treats unexpressed rashes caused by Blood Heat toxin. Niu Bang Zi mobilizes Qi, releases the Exterior, disperses Wind-Heat, benefits the throat, disperses clumps, drains the Interior, descends Qi, and resolves Heat toxin; it treats rashes caused by Wind-Heat confined in the Exterior.