Ban Xia - Pinellia Rhizome
TCM Materia Medica
Ban Xia TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "ban xia" which in english is 
"pinellia rhizome", is categorized within the "herbs that transform phlegm cold" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the lung, spleen and stomach channels and exhibits acrid and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 4.5-12g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Dries dampness, transforms cold-phlegm, descends rebellious qi - cough with copious sputum especially due to dampness of spleen.
- Harmonizes stomach, stops vomiting due to lingering phlegm-dampness in the stomach.
- Dissipates nodules, reduces distension - phlegm in chest or neck or anywhere in the body, focal distention in the chest.
Ban Xia has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Incompatible with Wu Tou.
Ban Xia may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: vomiting
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, ban xia is generally included in the following 16 formulas:
ViewBan Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Wan (Pinellia, Atractylodis and Gastrodia Combination)
Nausea with possible vomitting from combination of damp with liver qi stagnation causing rebellious qi. Dizziness, migraines, and vertigo from damp and liver wind rising. Heavy or oppressed sensati…
ViewBan Xia Hou Po Wan (Pinellia & Magnolia Pills)
Plum pit qi (globus hystericus) and/or difficulty with swallowing from liver qi stagnation. Coughing, hiccups, nausea and possible vomitting from rebellious qi and phlegm.
ViewBan Xia Xie Xin Wan (Pinellia Drain Epigastrium Pills)
Distension and fullness of the epigastrium usually without pain. Borborygmus (gurgling sounds), and diarrhea if spleen qi is affected. Vomiting with possible dry heaves due to rebellious stomach qi…
ViewBao He Wan (Preserve Harmony Pills)
Epigastric and or abdominal fullness or painful distention after meals. Acid reflux, belching, vomiting with possible aversion to food due to food stagnation. This formula can also be used for acut…
ViewChai Hu Gui Zhi Tang Wan (Bupleurum and Cinnamon Twig Decoction)
A combination of gui zhi tang and xiao chai hu tang - together they work with both taiyang and shaoyang syndromes - common colds and flu, fever, chills, joint pain, nausea, abdominal/epigastric diste…
ViewChai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Wan (Bupleurum, Dragon Bone, and Oyster Shell Formula)
Palpitations, anxiety, restlessness, agitation/irritibility, and insomnia from heat due to liver yang or fire. Mental disorders such as including biopolar and schizophrenia resulting from distrubed …
ViewEr Chen Wan (Two Aged Herbs)
The primary base formula to resolve phlegm damp, particularly in the lungs and GI system - cough (with white mucus), plugged ears, sinus blockage - along with GI symptoms of nausea, vomiting. Upper …
ViewHui Chun Wan (Recovery Special Pill)
Most often used for childhood convulsions (possibly with wheezing, nausea, nighttime crying, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive mucus/saliva) or other conditions that involve fever, impaired or loss of …
ViewHuo Xiang Zheng Qi Wan (Agastache Powder to Correct the Qi)
Acute flu or cold symptoms including fever, aversion to cold, headaches, sinus pressure, runny nose. Vomitting and diarrhea from interior damp with possible abdominal cramps or pains.
ViewPing Gan Liu Qi Yin Wan (Dang Gui And Pinellia Combination)
Liver qi stagnation with blood deficiency heat - signs of heat, red eyes, possibly anxiety and/or irritability, etc. along with digestive issues such as gastritis, cirrhosis, cholecystitis, hernia.…
ViewQing Qi Hua Tan Wan (Clear the Qi and Transform Phlegm Pill)
Cough with thick yellow or green phlegm, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and possible fullness of the chest due to damp heat accumulation in the lungs.
ViewSu Zi Jiang Qi Wan (Perilla Fruit Pill to Direct Qi Downward)
Cough with watery, copious sputum, breathing issues such as wheezing, asthma, shortness of breath (particularly difficulty inhaling), chest oppression. Possibly signs of kidney qi/yang deficiency …
ViewWen Dan Wan (Warm the Gallbladder Formula)
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other shen disturbances caused by phlegm misting the mind. Seizures, convulsions or other types of involuntary muscle contractions that are caused by phlegm and he…
ViewWen Jing Wan (Warm the Menses Formula)
Irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, excessive uterine bleeding or spotting between cycles. Infertility, history of miscarriage.
ViewXiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Wan (Aucklandia, Amomi & Six Gentlemen Pills)
A modified version of the base, zhi zhu wan, which is used to treat qi stagnation and food retention from qi deficiency. This modification includes herbs which add more movement and damp drying. Di…
ViewXiao Chai Hu Tang Wan (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)
Shao Yang Syndrome (or "lesser yang stage") - alternating fever and chills, hypochondriac pain, irritability, bitter taste in mouth, poor appetite, nausea. Often used for illnesses (chronic or short…
As noted above, ban xia is within the herbs that transform phlegm cold functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... for phlegm-cold or phlegm-dampness patterns. most of these herbs are quite strong and many are toxic. )".
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