Evidence supporting the use of: Aster tataricus
For the body system: Mucus Membranes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Aster tataricus, known as "zi wan" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for supporting the respiratory tract and, specifically, the mucus membranes. Historical texts dating back centuries document its inclusion in formulas to treat cough, phlegm production, and various forms of lung congestion or irritation. In TCM, Aster tataricus is classified as an herb that "transforms phlegm and stops cough," and it is often used when excess mucus or sputum is present in the airways. The traditional rationale is that the herb moistens the lungs and helps expel phlegm, thereby supporting the healthy function of mucus membranes.
Modern pharmacological studies are limited, but some research has demonstrated that Aster tataricus contains saponins and other compounds with expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models. These findings provide some support for the traditional uses, but high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking. Thus, the primary justification for its use in supporting mucus membranes comes from traditional sources, with a moderate level of evidence based on centuries of use and some emerging but not definitive scientific insights.
Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes
akkermansia muciniphilaaloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
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dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
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plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
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elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
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aster root
stillingia
white oak
horehound
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cayenne pepper
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acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
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Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
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Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Barleria
Bougainvillea
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Benzoin
Boswellia
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
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English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
Elder
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Eucheuma
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Other body systems supported by Aster tataricus
BronchialsDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Intestinal System
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Spleen
Stomach