Ban Xia, known as Pinellia ternata, is a widely used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) valued for its ability to dry dampness, transform phlegm, stop vomiting, and alleviate digestive and respiratory discomfort. The processed form, Fa Ban Xia, is used to reduce its toxicity and enhance its therapeutic effects. Ban Xia is commonly prescribed for conditions such as nausea, vomiting, cough with phlegm, chest congestion, and throat discomfort.
Functions & Benefits
Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm
Effective in treating phlegm-related conditions like coughing with copious sputum, chest congestion, and dizziness caused by phlegm-dampness accumulation.
Stops Nausea and Vomiting
Used for various types of vomiting, including morning sickness, food stagnation, and stomach cold.
Dissipates Nodules and Reduces Swelling
Helps with conditions involving lumps, throat swelling, or chest tightness caused by phlegm obstruction.
Relieves Digestive Discomfort
Alleviates symptoms like bloating, fullness, and loss of appetite due to dampness accumulation in the middle burner.
Indications
Individuals experiencing persistent cough with phlegm
People suffering from nausea, vomiting, or motion sickness
Patients with throat swelling, chest oppression, or phlegm nodules
Those with digestive discomfort, bloating, or poor appetite
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Greasy white or yellow coating (indicating damp-phlegm)
Pulse: Slippery (suggesting phlegm or dampness accumulation)
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Ban Xia
Phlegm-Damp Accumulation – Cough with sputum, dizziness, and chest fullness
Stomach Cold with Vomiting – Nausea, vomiting, and digestive upset
Phlegm Obstruction – Throat nodules, goiter, or chest tightness
Precautions & Contraindications
Raw Ban Xia is toxic and should not be used without proper processing.
Not suitable for individuals with dry cough, yin deficiency, or bleeding disorders.
Use with caution during pregnancy and always under professional guidance.
Conclusion
Ban Xia is a versatile herb in TCM known for its ability to dry dampness, transform phlegm, stop vomiting, and relieve various forms of congestion. Its wide range of applications makes it a key herb in formulas for respiratory, digestive, and phlegm-related conditions.
