Zǐ Bèi Tiān Kuí (紫背天葵) — Purple-backed begonia
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Zǐ Bèi Tiān Kuí (紫背天葵) — Begonia fimbristipulata — is known in English as Purple-backed begonia. It belongs to the category of herbs that clear Heat and resolve toxicity in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Zǐ Bèi Tiān Kuí as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Zǐ Bèi Tiān Kuí |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 紫背天葵 |
| Latin name | Begonia fimbristipulata |
| English name | Purple-backed begonia |
| Nature | Cool |
| Flavour | Sweet, slightly bitter |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver |
| Category | Clear heat |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity
- Cools the Blood and reduces swelling
Indications
- Boils, sores and inflamed swellings
- Sore throat with Heat
- Coughing with Lung Heat
4. Key formulas containing Zǐ Bèi Tiān Kuí
Zǐ Bèi Tiān Kuí is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Purple-backed begonia is a minor herb of southern China used chiefly as one of the five ingredients of Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin. Modern research is very limited.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Zǐ Bèi Tiān Kuí in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Use with caution in Spleen deficiency-Cold. Spreading infection requires conventional medical treatment.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate for chronic, pale, deficiency-type lesions.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Zǐ Bèi Tiān Kuí at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I use Zǐ Bèi Tiān Kuí only within classical Heat-toxin formulas, alongside conventional care.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
