Tartarian Aster
Tartarian Aster (Zi Wan)
Botanical Name: Aster tartaricus
Tartarian aster is a lovely purple daisy-like flower. The roots of the plant are used to treat lung infections, especially with stubborn coughing presenting with phlegm or blood in the mucus.
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Below is an overview of tartarian aster, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of tartarian aster.
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Western
Name: Tartarian Aster
Also Known As: Tartar Aster
Organs/Systems: Respiratory
Key Actions: Antitussive, Expectorant, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antitumor
Key Medicinal Uses: Coughs, asthma, inflammation, bronchitis, respiratory infections.
Eastern
Pin Yin: Zi Wan
Also Known As: Fan Huncao
Meridians: Lung
Key Actions: Stops Cough, Eliminates Phlegm, Moistens the Lungs
Key Medicinal Uses: Cough, asthma, chronic cough with sticky phlegm, bloody sputum, difficult to expectorate congestion, upper respiratory infections, acute bronchitis, tumor, inflammation, constipation.
Basic Habitat / Botany:
Tartarian aster is a tall, late-blooming plant with daisy-like lavender flowers. It can grow to be 4-6 feet or more. It has deep green basal leaves with tall stalks that are topped with small clusters of daisy-like flowers. It blooms in the late fall, often waiting for the first frost.
Tartarian aster is native to the temperate regions of eastern Asia, especially Siberia, Mongolia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. It is considered invasive in some U.S. eastern and midwestern states.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Root, Rhizome
Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Slightly Sweet, Warm
Caution: Considered safe when used properly, it does contain certain compounds that could, in large doses, become toxic.
Key Constituents: Terpenes, Organic acids, Peptides, Flavonoids
History/Folklore: Tartarian aster is one of the 50 Fundamental Herbs in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). It has been used for over a thousand years to treat a variety of conditions, but is especially noted for treating coughs, asthma, and respiratory conditions that dry out the Lungs. It can help Clear Phlegm and has important anti-inflammatory properties. It treats both acute and chronic coughing.
The classic TCM cough remedy, dating back to 1700 AD, uses Tartarian aster to treat bronchitis and other lung infections with coughing and phlegm. Called Zhi Sou San, it uses Tartarian aster as one of its key ingredients. This formula Warms without causing Heat and Moistens without causing Coldness or Dampness, either of which could further exacerbate existing conditions. It is often blended with other herbs to treat a variety of bacterial and fungal infections. Bu Fei Soup also contains Tartarian aster. It is a formula used to treat coughs and asthma due to Lung Deficiency.
Research is being conducted to explore the herb’s potential for treating pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung disease. The herb is recognized for having significant antibacterial properties.
Research is further indicating that a fungus that is found growing within the plant may have anticancer properties.
Associated with the month of September, these lovely flowers are, in China, a symbol of love, patience, and elegance. They are often used in wedding bouquets or at romantic events. They are also identified with wishing for things to turn out differently and gaining wisdom and faith.
The ancient Greeks believed asters could ward off evil spirits. They burned the flowers as a way of repelling serpents and snakes from their homes. They have been used to honor Hecate, goddess of magic and witchcraft.
In Greek mythology, the goddess Astraea cried because there were not enough stars in the sky. Her tears are said to have fallen to earth and turned into the star-shaped flowers now called Asters, which means “star” in Greek.
In the Bible, aster flowers are associated with faith, patience, wisdom, beauty, and friendship.
As these plants have a long blooming season, it makes they are popular for gardens and floral arrangements.
Bee Magnet
Tartarian aster is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Repels Insects
Asters are useful as garden border plants as they repel insects, including aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars.
Sunflower Family
Tartarian asters are in the same family as sunflowers, the Asteraceae family.
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