Zi Cao Granules (10:1)

Arnebia / Lithospermum Root clears Heat, cools the Blood, invigorates Blood circulation, relieves Fire toxins and encourages rashes; Moistens the Intestines, unblocks the bowels and promotes urination; Clears Damp-Heat from the skin (aids healing of tissues)*

Zi Cao, known in English as Arnebia Root or Lithospermum Root, is a cold-natured single herb in the Clear Heat, Cool Blood category of the Chinese Materia Medica. It enters the Heart and Liver channels and is valued for its ability to clear Heat, cool and invigorate the Blood, relieve Fire toxins, encourage the expression of rashes, moisten the Intestines, and clear Damp-Heat from the skin.

TCM Herb Profile

Zi Cao is principally indicated for Xue Stage Heat, Blood Heat, and Toxic Heat presentations accompanied by dark purple rashes, including eczema, measles, and chicken pox. It is also used for Blood Heat constipation and rashes accompanied by constipation or urinary dysfunction, as well as for Damp-Heat skin lesions or vaginal itching when applied topically. It may be applied topically for burns and wounds as well.

Two species are encompassed under the name Zi Cao: Arnebia, which is softer and referred to as "soft purple herb," and Lithospermi, which is harder and called "hard purple herb." Most classical sources identify Lithospermi as the proper herb for Zi Cao.

Zi Cao treats most skin diseases as well as cuts and burns, and is said to cure malignant sores, eruptions, smallpox, and tinea.

This herb is reported to cure jaundice with flaming fever in the morning. It is noted as not effective for those with red or black flecks on the body; for such cases, the herb is used to fumigate the arches of the feet, palms, and points DU-20 and LI-8. 

Zi Cao facilitates the flow of urine. Its Western botanical relatives include borage, used for fevers, and comfrey, used as a general remedy including for c.

Comparison: Zi Cao and Niu Bang Zi

Both Zi Cao and Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii) resolve toxicity, vent rashes, moisten the bowels, and unblock the Intestines. Zi Cao is best for clearing and regulating Blood Heat with a lesser ability to eliminate Damp-Heat; it treats unexpressed rashes due to Blood Heat toxin. Niu Bang Zi mobilizes the Qi level, releases the Exterior, disperses Wind-Heat, benefits the throat, disperses clumps, drains the Interior, descends Qi, and resolves Heat toxin; it treats rashes due to Wind-Heat confined in the Exterior.