Individual Herbs Notebook

Zi Cao

Pharmaceutical: Radix Lithospermi seu Arnebiae

Other names: Purple Gromwell Root / Chinese Stoneseed Root

Category: Herbs that Clear Heat



Properties: Bitter, pungent, cold

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Heart and Liver
Divergent Channels: San Jiao, Pericardium


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Clears Heat, cools the Blood, invigorates Blood circulation, relieves Fire toxins and encourages rashes
    Xue Stage Heat, Blood Heat, Toxic Heat and dark purple rashes (measles, chicken pox)
  2. Moistens the Intestines, unblocks the bowels and promotes urination
    Blood Heat constipation and rashes accompanied by constipation and/or urinary dysfunction
  3. Clears Damp-Heat from the skin (aids healing of tissues)
    Damp-Heat skin lesions or vaginal itching topically Burns and wounds topically

Suggested Daily Dosage: 5-10g in decoction. For external use it is usually soaked in oil.


Cautions: It is contraindicated in cases of diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, for its defecation-promoting action.
In the UK it is prohibited for internal use due to pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. External use is still permitted.


Appears in 8 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
Research Links & References: (click to display)