red gromwell root

a brief overview

At StrangeMakes.Com, we pride ourselves in making therapeutics from scratch beginning with the whole plant.  During this blog post series, I would like to share with you some interesting facts about Red Gromwell Root which traditional Chinese medicine refers to as Zi Cao. 

For over 2000 years Zi Cao has been known to help with rash, itching, skin lesions, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, vaginal itching, skin discharge, boils, hemorrhoids, varicose veins and burns.  Properly expressed, the components of the Zi Cao root produce a rich, dark purple syrup with extensive antibiotic, anti fungal, anti-viral and anti-itch properties.

Zi Cao has become a well prized medicinal plant that grows wild in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayan mountains and takes several years to mature. Over the last thirty years it has received so much attention and interest that unregulated cosmetic and big-pharma harvesting practices were depleting it beyond sustainability.  As of late, these industries have begun to farm Zi Cao in large, temperature controlled facilities that use specific fertilizers and hormones to speed up the growth process.

We wholeheartedly believe that the only way to ethically source this magnificent herb is to support the small village supply chains that utilize the classic farming, harvesting and wild-picking model.  This means that our Zi Cao is a limited commodity and comes available only two times a year, if even that.

Depending on moisture content of the root and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, Purple Grass is crafted in small batches that can take anywhere from 7 to 30 days.

**This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of a well qualified herbalist or physician. The StrangeMakes.Com team does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by the StrangeMakes.Com team are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician. Please refrain from using Purple Grass if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.