Tatarian Aster Root
자완 (紫菀) · Aster tataricus L.f.
Phlegm-resolving, cough-relieving herb
Warm (some sources: neutral)
Bitter, pungent
Lung
NatureWarm (some sources: neutral)
TasteBitter, pungent
MeridiansLung
Part usedRoot
FamilyAsteraceae
CategoryPhlegm-resolving, cough-relieving herb
Overview
Tatarian aster's poetic old name, "soul-returning grass," reflects how highly it was regarded for lung conditions verging on the fatal — the Donguibogam records it for lung wasting with spit blood. The text also notes a substitute: a white-flowered relative, nyeowan, can be used interchangeably when tatarian aster is unavailable.
In the Donguibogam
東醫
寶鑑
寶鑑
性溫一云平, 味苦辛, 無毒. 治肺痿吐血, 消痰止渴, 咳逆上氣, 咳唾膿血, 寒熱結氣, 潤肌膚, 添骨髓, 療痿躄.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is warm (some say neutral), its taste bitter and pungent, and it is non-toxic. It treats lung wasting with spitting blood, resolves phlegm and stops thirst, treats cough with counterflow qi ascent, coughing up pus and blood, and cold-heat bound qi. It moistens the skin, adds to the bone marrow, and treats wilting and weakness of the limbs.
Traditional functions
- Moistens the lung, transforms phlegm
- Stops cough
- Relieves counterflow qi
- Nourishes the skin
Traditional applications
- Cough with blood-tinged phlegm
- Dry throat and thirst from lung dryness
- Cough with counterflow qi ascent
- Weak limbs from chronic lung depletion
Traditional preparation
Decoction 4–12g, traditionally honey-soaked and roasted.
Cautions
Caution: Warm and moistening; blood in the sputum should always be medically evaluated rather than self-treated. Consult a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Why was tatarian aster called "soul-returning grass"?
This poetic old name reflects how highly it was regarded for severe lung conditions, including lung wasting with spit blood — a use the Donguibogam records directly.
Is there a substitute if tatarian aster isn't available?
Yes — the Donguibogam notes a white-flowered relative, nyeowan (女菀), can be used interchangeably, as it shares the same therapeutic effect.
Sources
- 동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)
DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.