Zǐ Cǎo (紫草) — Gromwell Root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Zǐ Cǎo (紫草) — Lithospermum erythrorhizon — is known in English as Gromwell root. It belongs to the category of herbs that clear Heat and cool the Blood 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 Cǎo 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 Cǎo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 紫草 |
| Latin name | Lithospermum erythrorhizon |
| English name | Gromwell root |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Sweet, salty |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver |
| Category | Clear heat |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
- Resolves toxicity and encourages rashes to surface
- Moistens and supports healing of the skin when applied topically
Indications
- Dark or purplish macular rashes from Heat in the Blood
- Slow or incomplete eruption of a rash in febrile illness
- Heat-toxin skin lesions, sores and inflamed dermatitis
- Burns, ulceration and dry, inflamed skin, used topically in ointment
4. Key formulas containing Zǐ Cǎo
Zǐ Cǎo 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
The principal constituent of gromwell root is shikonin, studied preclinically for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound-healing activity, consistent with its long topical use. Most work to date is laboratory-based rather than clinical.
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 Cǎo in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Zǐ Cǎo is cold and moistening and has a mild laxative effect, so it is used with caution in Spleen deficiency with loose stools. It is avoided in pregnancy. Rapidly spreading skin infection, or a rash with systemic illness, requires urgent medical assessment.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate for pale, chronic or Cold-pattern skin conditions, where warming and Blood-nourishing herbs are indicated instead of cooling, Blood-clearing ones.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Zǐ Cǎo 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 prescribe Zǐ Cǎo as part of tailored herbal formulas for Heat-in-the-Blood skin patterns underlying eczema, psoriasis and acne, as a complementary therapy alongside conventional dermatological 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.
