Zi Wan-Paarse Asterwortel-Radix Asteris

Zi Wan (Purple Aster Root) is a slightly warm, bitter and sweet herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), used primarily to relieve cough and transform phlegm. It is especially effective in treating chronic or acute coughs with either cold or heat background, making it one of the most versatile anti-cough herbs in the materia medica. Zi Wan not only helps to stop cough but also moistens the Lungs and supports Qi flow in the respiratory tract.

Often used in both acute respiratory infections and chronic bronchial conditions, Zi Wan is particularly valuable when there is difficulty expectorating phlegm or persistent coughing due to Lung Qi disturbance.

Functies en voordelen

Relieves Cough and Expels Phlegm
• Treats various types of cough, whether due to cold or heat, excess or deficiency
• Helps release stubborn phlegm that is difficult to expectorate
• Especially useful in chronic coughs that linger after infections or with Lung weakness

Bevochtigt de longen
• Soothes dry or irritated lungs, particularly in coughs with little sputum or throat dryness
• Gently supports the restoration of Lung Yin and fluid balance
• Useful in cases where dryness and damage follow an extended illness or fever

Promotes Qi Movement in the Chest
• Opens the chest and helps regulate the Lung Qi in chronic cough
• Can relieve chest tightness and mild wheezing due to phlegm accumulation

Indicaties (wie kan er baat bij hebben?)
✔ Individuals with lingering or chronic cough, especially with hard-to-expectorate phlegm
✔ People recovering from colds or bronchitis with persistent respiratory irritation
✔ Patients with dry cough or throat tickle from Lung Yin deficiency
✔ Those with productive cough or phlegmy wheezing from Lung Qi obstruction
✔ Elderly or weakened individuals with cough and mild Lung weakness

Diagnose van tong en pols in TCM
Tongue: Thin white or yellow coating depending on heat or cold; dry or greasy if phlegm is present
Pulse: Slippery (phlegm), wiry (Qi stagnation), or thin and rapid (Yin deficiency)

Verwante TCM-patronen
Phlegm Obstructing the Lungs – Productive cough with sputum and chest congestion
Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat Cough – Acute cough during upper respiratory infections
Lung Qi Deficiency – Chronic weak cough, low voice, fatigue
Lung Yin Deficiency – Dry cough, throat irritation, hoarseness
Residual Pathogen in the Lungs – Lingering cough after fever or infection

Klinische toepassingen (alleen ter referentie)
Post-Bronchitis Cough – Resolves lingering phlegm and supports Lung recovery
Chronic Cough in Elderly – Moistens and strengthens without being overly stimulating
Cough from Allergies or Pollution – Clears phlegm and calms irritation
Dry or Irritating Cough – Soothes the Lungs in Yin-deficient or post-illness cases
Chronic Productive Cough – Gently moves Qi and transforms stubborn phlegm

Common Herbal Formulas with Zi Wan
• Zhi Sou San – For lingering cough after Wind-Cold attack
• Er Chen Tang (modified) – For chronic phlegm cough with fatigue
• Zi Wan Tang – Classic moistening and cough-relieving formula
• San Zi Yang Qin Tang (modified) – For cough with phlegm and digestive sluggishness
• Bei Mu Zi Wan Tang – For chronic bronchial inflammation with Yin damage

Voorzorgsmaatregelen en contra-indicaties
Not suitable for unproductive cough due to full-blown Yin deficiency without phlegm
Avoid in patients with excessive internal heat or yellow phlegm unless properly balanced
Use caution in diarrhea or loose stool due to Spleen deficiency
May require combination with heat-clearing or Qi-tonifying herbs depending on the case

Aanbevelingen voor levensstijl en dieet
✔ Drink warm herbal teas and stay hydrated to help clear phlegm and soothe the lungs
✔ Avoid cold drinks and raw foods during recovery from respiratory illness
✔ Include moistening foods like pears, almonds, white fungus, and honey
✔ Avoid smoking, air pollutants, or excessive vocal strain while recovering from cough

Conclusie
Zi Wan (Purple Aster Root) is a reliable and balanced herb for relieving various types of cough by transforming phlegm, moistening the Lungs, and regulating Qi. Its gentle warmth and versatility make it suitable for both acute and chronic cases, particularly where cough persists beyond the acute phase of illness. Zi Wan is a key herb in restoring Lung function and clearing the aftermath of respiratory distress.