Zi Cao | Lithospermi Radix | Groomwell Root
Properties: sweet, salty, bitter and cold
Channels: heart, liver
The main function of this herb in Chinese Medicine is to clears heat, aids in healing tissue, relieves fire toxins and encourages rashes.
This herb is found in our Skin Wash - Nourish, specifically for its main active constituent, a type of Naphthoquinones called Shikonin. This constituent has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-viral actions, to name a few.
In a study on NIH called “The Molecular Basis of Wound Healing Processes Induced by Lithospermi Radix: A Proteomics and Biochemical Analysis”, it found that cell proliferation increased by 25% when using ethanol extract of Lithospermi Radix/Zi Cao and Shikonin.² Cell proliferation plays a crucial role in the healing phase of skin conditions, as it is a key part of wound healing. As cells multiply, they fill in the wound, aiding in tissue repair. In conditions like atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, this process helps restore the skin and rebuild its protective barrier.
In another study also on NIH, it found that 22 expressed proteins were identified when fibroblast cells were treated with Lithospermi Radix/Zi Cao or Shikonin. The key functions of these proteins included antioxidants, secretion of collagen and promotion of cell proliferation. This study confirmed that “Lithospermi Radix/Zi Cao is able to accelerate wound healing.” ¹
These studies highlight how modern science continues to validate the wisdom of Chinese Medicine—principles that were understood over 2,500 years ago, long before the concept of active constituents even existed.
If you're experiencing a skin condition, visit our website to explore our specialized skin washes and discover how they can support your skin's health naturally.
Studies references:
¹ PMCID: PMC3457683
² PMID: 27180275