Pinellia

Pinellia (Ban Xia)

Botanical Name: Pinellia ternata

The processed root of pinellia is one of the most important and frequently used herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to help Transform Phlegm and stop coughing. In China, pinellia is the primary herb for treating phlegm-damp syndromes including nausea, vomiting, insomnia and bloating. For all its abilities, it is a wonderfully gentle herb, able to treat both young and old.

Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – A Little Known Secret about Pinellia…

Remember to check with your doctor before trying new medicines or herbal remedies, especially if you are taking other medication where drug interactions are possible.

Below is an overview of pinellia, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of pinellia.

How to take FULL advantage of Pinellia's healing powers...

JOIN ME in an exploration of the healing herb, Pinellia (Ban Xia). Dive deep into the benefits and applications of Pinellia, from Eastern and Western perspectives, and so much more!

Western

Western Name: Pinellia

Also Known As: Processed Pinellia Rhizome, Crow-Dipper

Organs/Systems: Lung, Stomach

Key Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Expellant, Expectorant, Diuretic, Antitussive, Relaxant, Anticonvulsant, Antipyretic

Medicinal Uses: Coughs, nausea, vomiting, congestion, worms, headaches, anxiety, fever, bloating, skin sores.

Eastern

Pin Yin: Ban Xia

Also Known As: Green Dragon, Zhi Ban Xia, Ban Xia Fa

Meridians: Lung, Spleen, Stomach

Key Actions: Warms and Transforms Phlegm-Cold, Harmonizes the Stomach, Stops Vomiting, Dissipates Nodules, Reduces Distension

Medicinal Uses: Causes Rebellious Qi (Energy) to descend easing nausea and vomiting, treats coughs with copious white sputum, pneumonia, bronchitis, fainting, dizziness, stroke, dyspnea, headache, insomnia, morning sickness, bloating, fever, anxiety, depression, foggy brain, Phlegm in the Chest, nodules in the neck, goiter, obstructions by Phlegm anywhere in the Body, local distension in the Chest and epigastrium, hysteria, neurosis, perimenopausal syndrome, gastritis, colitis, edema of the vocal cords, high blood pressure, warts and carbuncles, snakebites, breast abscesses, skin ulcers.

Basic Habitat/Botany:

Pinellia is a genus of plants in the family Araceae. The plant’s inflorescence, which possesses a green, hooded spathe from which extends a long, tongue-like extension of the spadix. The leaves vary greatly in shape among the many various species from simple to cordate to compound with three to many leaflets.

Pinellia is native to East Asia, especially China, Korea and Japan. Pinellia ternata is the species that can now be found in Eastern North America as well. Pinellia likes hillsides, damp grass by streams or wooded areas.

Parts Most Frequently Used: Tuber

Flavors/Temps: Warm, Drying, Aromatic, Toxic

Caution: Processed pinellia is considered safe and has few side effects. Because the herb is warming and drying it is not recommended for treating what the Chinese call Yin Deficient conditions. It is never used in cases of bleeding or depleted Body Fluids. The raw (unprocessed) root is toxic and is only used externally.

Key Constituents: Coniine, Beta-sitosterol, Homogentisic acid, Nicotine, Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid, Guanosine, Arginine, Alkaloids (especially Ephedrine alkaloids), Oxalates, Ephedrine alkaloids

History/Folklore: In China, pinellia, is commonly called “Green Dragon” due to the color and shape of the inflorescence, which possess a green, hooded spathe from which extends a long, tongue-like extension of the spadix, giving the plant a dragon-like appearance. The name also derives from the plant blossoming in the lunar month of May, when the plants are green and blooming. Similar to dragons, pinellia is known for its ability to Lift the Spirits and Calm Qi (Energy) in the Body.

The plant blossoms in May, after which the tubers are excavated from the ground for medicinal use. The dried tuber is spherical in shape with a white or light yellow surface. The best quality is bigger, clean white, solid and with a consistency that is described as “fine mealiness.”

The raw roots are soaked for seven days in water and then in ginger juice or boiled in ginger tea that contains a quantity of alum in order to remove any toxicities. The initial herbal material is opaque white and once processed becomes a translucent yellowish In color.

Processed pinellia is considered safe and has been shown in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine research to have few side effects. Unprocessed, or raw, pinellia root is toxic and is only used externally. Typical external dosing is 4.5-12g of the raw herb, which is ONLY used externally to treat ulcerations and skin sores. The root will be dried, powdered and then blended with egg white (or ginger juice) for application.

Tests have shown tincture of pinellia is useful in treating acute toothaches.

The roots that have been deep fried with ginger and vinegar, or processed with licorice and lime (calcium carbonate) in order to remove toxicity are called “Fa Ban Xia,” and are the form most typically provided at pharmacies when “Ban Xia” is asked for. When the herb is treated with just ginger juice it is called “Ginger Pinellia” or “Jiang Ban Xia.”

Variations of Ban Xia (Pinellia) include: “Sheng Ban Xia” is unprocessed raw pinellia. “Qing Ban Xia” is soaked, boiled, or salted in alum solution (reducing the tingling effects in the throat due to the toxic aspects of raw pinellia.) “Jiang Ban Xia” is boiled and salted with ginger. “Fa Ban Xia” is the most commonly used form and is processed with lime (calcium carbonate). “Zhu Li Ban Xia” is processed with bamboo juice. “Qu Ban Xia” is fermented with flour and ginger juice and is used to stop coughs and diarrhea.

Because pinellia contains ephedrine alkaloids, which might cause strokes or seizures when used improperly, the single and raw herb has been banned in the U.S. It has not been banned for use in Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas or products that are commercially available where the herb has been properly processed to reduce toxicity becoming safe to use as directed. Pinellia seeds are poisonous so do not ingest.

Pinellia helps Descend Rebellious Qi, calming nausea and vomiting. It can also help reduce foggy brain caused by Lyme Disease, ease fluid retention, and reduce “Plum Pit Qi” (The feeling of a lump in the throat.)

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Did you know?

Moxibustion Treatments

Slices of the herb can be used as a base for Traditional Chinese Medicine moxibustion treatments.

Facts

Raw Root is Toxic

The raw root is toxic and is soaked in water or processed in other ways to remove the oxalates and other irritants found in the plant’s roots.

Fun fact!

Raw Root Used Externally Only

Due to the toxicity of the raw root it is only used externally in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

How to use Pinellia (Ban Xia) and take FULL advantage of it's healing powers!

Find out how to safely use this powerful herb and get specific recipes you can make use of immediately. Dive deep into Eastern and Western perspectives about HOW and WHY this herb works. Includes uses, benefits, essential oils, gardening tips, and much, much more.

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ATTENTION: All material provided on this website is for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your healthcare professional or physician. Redistribution permitted with attribution. Be Healthy. Be Happy. Be Whole. Be Free.

ATENCIÓN: Todo el material proporcionado en este sitio web es sólo con fines informativos o educativos. No es sustituto del consejo de su profesional de la salud o médico. Esté sano. Sea feliz. Siéntase completo. Sea libre.

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