Purple Gold / Zi Yin Gao (紫金膏)
Posted by Louis Amodeo on 9th Jun 2025
Purple Gold / Zi Yin Gao (紫金膏) is a traditional Chinese topical herbal preparation — a medicinal plaster or ointment. It is sometimes referred to as "Purple Gold Ointment" or "Zi Jin Gao" depending on transliteration.
Typical Uses
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Reduce inflammation
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Draw out toxins and pus (used for boils, carbuncles, abscesses)
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Promote tissue regeneration
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Alleviate pain
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Treat burns, insect bites, skin infections
Common Ingredients (varies by formula)
| Herb Name | Chinese Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Lithospermum root | 紫草 (Zi Cao) | Clears heat, cools blood, promotes healing |
| Angelica sinensis root | 当归 (Dang Gui) | Nourishes blood, promotes tissue regeneration |
| Rhubarb root | 大黄 (Da Huang) | Clears heat, reduces swelling, promotes discharge of pus |
| Frankincense | 乳香 (Ru Xiang) | Promotes blood circulation, reduces pain, regenerates tissue |
| Myrrh | 没药 (Mo Yao) | Similar to Frankincense, synergistic |
| Beeswax | 蜂蜡 (Feng La) | Base for ointment, protects skin |
| Sesame oil | 麻油 (Ma You) | Base oil for preparation, nourishes skin |
Typical Form
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Thick ointment, dark purple-red in color
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Applied externally (not for internal use)
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Sold in jars or tubes, or sometimes in ready-made plasters
Cautions
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For external use only
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Do not apply to open wounds without professional guidance
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Avoid during pregnancy unless supervised
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Some formulas contain very strong clearing/drawing herbs which may irritate sensitive skin