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The dried root of Arnebia euchroma or Lithospermum erythrorhizon (Boraginaceae). Cold and sweet, entering the Heart and Liver channels. Cools and invigorates the blood, resolves toxicity, and vents rashes. A valued herb for blood-heat macules and incomplete measles eruption; externally, purple gromwell oil is widely used for burns and eczema.
Reference range for non-pregnant adults. Not a personalized prescription. Pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric use require specialist supervision.
Protective guidance only — when to avoid or use with caution. This block deliberately omits pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric dosing: any such use must be managed by a qualified TCM practitioner or appropriate specialist.
味苦，寒。主心腹邪气，五疸，补中益气，利九窍，通水道。
中品
@misc{bencaodian-zi-cao,
author = {{Bencaodian Editorial}},
title = {Zǐ Cǎo 紫草 (Arnebia / Lithospermum Root) — Arnebiae Radix / Lithospermi Radix},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {Bencao Dian: A Bilingual Knowledge Graph of Traditional Chinese Medicine},
url = {https://bencaodian.org/en/herbs/zi-cao},
urldate = {2026-04-17},
note = {CC BY-SA 4.0}
}© Bencaodian Editorial · Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
紫草的红色萘醌类（紫草素及其酯）具抗炎、抗菌、抗病毒、促进伤口愈合和抗肿瘤作用。
Zi Cao's red naphthoquinones (shikonin and its esters) have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, wound-healing, and antineoplastic effects.
紫草甘咸寒，凉血活血，解毒透疹，为麻疹热毒常用药。
Sweet-salty and cold; cools blood, invigorates blood, resolves toxin, and vents rashes; used for measles heat-toxin.
This section is provided for academic reference only and does not constitute medical advice.