$6.95 USA Shipping • 90-Day Hassle-Free Returns

Home » Ban Xia – Pinellia – Rhizoma Pinelliae

Ban Xia – Pinellia – Rhizoma Pinelliae

Showing 1–48 of 50 results

Ban Xia

English Name: pinellia, pinellia tuber

Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Pinelliae

Medica Category: Phlegm-Resolving Herbs

Properties: Ban Xia enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Lung channels; it is acrid in nature and warm in temperature.

What is Ban Xia?:

The Chinese Herb Ban Xia is the small, round rhizome (tuber) from a plant with the common name “crow-dipper” (Pinellia ternata (Thumb.) Breit.) that is native to Southern China and Japan (and considered invasive in the U.S. where it has been introduced). It is in the Araceae family and resembles jack-in-the-pulpit (with its spathe and spadix flower). The rhizomes form little bulbs that grow just beneath the surface of the dirt, and it is these rhizomes that are dug up in the late summer and autumn, peeled open, and dried in preparation for further processing.

Unprocessed, these rhizomes are toxic and ingestion will produce any number of adverse effects for which one should seek immediate treatment (although you will not find unprocessed/fresh Ban Xia (or Sheng Ban Xia) unless you go to a dispensary and specifically ask for it—as it does have medicinal value as a topical to treat sores, ulcerations and carbuncles).

It follows, then, that Ban Xia will always be processed in some way for use internally—this is why it is sometimes referred to as Zhi Ban Xia (Zhi in this context means “processed”). Simply cooking fresh Ban Xia in hot water with fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang) for 30 minutes should neutralize any toxicity; however, standard processing is to soak the dried, raw tuber in water and then boil it with alumen, calcium oxide, and licorice root (the Chinese herb Gan Cao)—this preparation makes Ban Xia effective at resolving phlegm and dampness in the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach (see below). There are other ways to prepare fresh Ban Xia for use internally depending on the aims of the practitioner/medicine maker—a full discussion can be found in Chen & Chen pp. 683-4.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Ban Xia:

Ban Xia dries dampness and dissolves phlegm. It enters the Spleen and Lung channels to eliminate excess phlegm both from the source of its production (Spleen) and from where its excess accumulates (Lung).

According to TCM theory, when excess phlegm is produced in the Spleen, it leads to what is called a “phlegm obstruction”. This obstruction causes the Spleen/Stomach qi to “rebel” (i.e. its normal, downward direction is reversed) resulting in nausea and vomiting. Ban Xia, being acrid, warm, and drying in nature has excellent properties to harmonize the stomach and return the rebellious qi to its normal, downward direction.

Also according to TCM theory, excess phlegm is stored in the Lungs, and Ban Xia is often added to formula to address various manifestations of productive cough that is produced when there is excess phlegm in the Lung channel. Ban Xia also addresses other clinical manifestations of excess phlegm in the Lung such as tightness and stifling sensations in the chest with shortness of breath (with other deficiency and cold signs present (watery sputum, fatigue, loose stools etc…)).

Ban Xia also dissipates nodules and disperses stagnation in the chest and throat to address thyroid nodules and scrofula; it also addresses globus hystericus, which is the sensation of having a lump in the throat when “nothing” is there—in TCM this is called plum pit syndrome/qi and is attributed to phlegm obstructing the qi mechanism in the throat.

Ban Xia can also be used topically to treat sores, ulcerations, and carbuncles.

—safety notes:

Use with caution during pregnancy

The fresh herb is toxic and should be used only for external application.

student/practioner notes: Ban Xia dissolves cold phlegm accumulations and should be used with thought and consideration in cases with heat (whether full or yin-deficient). A full list of diagnostic considerations regarding Ban Xia’s most effective usage is can be found in contraindications box of the single herb listing on American Dragon.com)

Articles Related To Tag: Ban Xia – Pinellia – Rhizoma Pinelliae

  • Chinese Herbs for Stroke Recovery and Prevention

    A stroke is a serious medical event with some potentially serious consequences. But did you know that taking quick, restorative action after a stroke can help reduce the lingering effects of stroke? Or that there are ways you can reduce your risk of stroke – including taking Chinese herbal medicine? While modern medicine has made…

  • Best Chinese Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue
    Best Chinese Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue

    These days, trying to stay on top of a successful career, a clean home, a vibrant social life, and healthy habits can feel impossible. We burn the candle at both ends to try to have it all, which leaves many of us feeling burned out. As a result, conditions like adrenal fatigue are skyrocketing. Feeling…

  • The Best Chinese Herbs for Gout
    The Best Chinese Herbs for Gout

    Gout, a painful form of arthritis, is becoming increasingly common worldwide. In fact, over 8.3 million Americans suffer from this burning toe pain every year. Thankfully, Chinese herbs for gout offer a safe and natural way to ease the pain. The usual treatments for gout often involve medications, which can have side effects and don’t…

  • Dampness in Chinese Medicine – What is it & How To Fix It
    Dampness in Chinese Medicine – What is it & How To Fix It

    If you have read our blogs or visited an acupuncturist, you may have heard the term “dampness.” But what is dampness in Chinese Medicine, and what does it mean for your health? Dampness may sound like a strange concept, but it’s pretty simple. Read on to learn what dampness really is and how you can…

  • Best Chinese Herbs for Prostate Health
    Best Chinese Herbs for Prostate Health

    The prostate is a small gland with a big impact on men’s health. If you’re over the age of 40, now is the time to start doing something about your prostate health. Find out why prostate health is so important for all men and how you can use Chinese herbs for prostate health to manage…