What are the功效 and effects of Stemona?
Stemona tuber is derived from the tuberous roots of plants such as *Stemona japonica*, *Stemona sessilifolia*, and *Stemona tuberosa*. In traditional Chinese medicine, it possesses various medicinal properties and effects, including moistening the lungs to relieve cough, treating coughs, killing parasites and lice, eliminating phlegm, reducing inflammation, and fighting bacteria. The specific details are as follows:

1. Moistening the Lungs and Relieving Cough: Stemona tuber is widely used for its ability to moisten the lungs and suppress coughing. It helps soothe cough symptoms and alleviate discomfort caused by respiratory conditions such as colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
2. Treating Coughs: In traditional Chinese medicine, Stemona tuber is commonly used to treat various types of cough, including acute or chronic cough, pertussis (whooping cough), and cough due to pulmonary tuberculosis, helping to reduce associated symptoms.
3. Killing Parasites and Lice: Stemona tuber is believed to have insecticidal properties and can be used to treat parasitic infections such as pinworm infestation, vaginal trichomoniasis, head lice, and scabies.
4. Eliminating Phlegm and Relieving Cough: In addition to suppressing cough, Stemona tuber is also used to expel phlegm. It helps relieve throat discomfort caused by excessive sputum production, especially in cases of wet (productive) cough.

5. Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Effects: Stemona tuber contains certain components with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which may help manage inflammation and infections, potentially benefiting conditions such as respiratory tract infections and other diseases.
It is important to emphasize that the use of herbal medicines should be conducted under the guidance of a physician or licensed practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine to ensure proper dosage and administration. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing symptoms and to follow standardized treatment protocols under professional supervision, which supports effective recovery.