Can Fupian (Black Shunpian) be combined with Fabanxia (Pinellia Ternata Prepared with Alum)?
Apr 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, Black Shun Pian (Radix Aconiti Preparata) is characterized as being extremely hot in nature, with a pungent and sweet taste, and is toxic. It enters the heart, kidney, and spleen meridians, and possesses functions including restoring yang to rescue from collapse, supplementing fire to reinforce yang, and dispersing cold to relieve pain. Prepared Pinellia (Pinellia Ternata) is warm in nature, with a pungent taste, and enters the spleen, stomach, and lung meridians; it can dry dampness, resolve phlegm, reduce upward rebellion and stop vomiting, as well as alleviate nodulation and dissipate stagnation. When used together, these two herbs may produce a synergistic and enhanced therapeutic effect in the treatment of certain diseases.
Fu pian, also known as Hei Shun pian, is generally combined with Fa Ban Xia. However, attention should be paid to using these herbs under the guidance of a physician.
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, Hei Shun pian is strongly hot in nature, with a pungent and sweet taste, and is considered toxic. It enters the heart, kidney, and spleen meridians, and has functions including restoring yang to reverse collapse, supplementing fire to enhance yang, and dispelling cold to relieve pain. Fa Ban Xia is warm in nature, with a pungent taste, entering the spleen, stomach, and lung meridians, and can dry dampness to resolve phlegm, descend rebellious qi to stop vomiting, and dissipate nodules to relieve痞 (stagnation or fullness in the chest or epigastrium). When used together, these two herbs may have a synergistic effect in treating certain conditions. For example, in treating disorders caused by cold-phlegm obstruction and insufficient yang energy, Hei Shun pian warms yang and dispels cold, while Fa Ban Xia dries dampness and resolves phlegm, thereby jointly improving the condition.
If a patient has a constitution leaning towards heat or presents symptoms of internal heat, such as dry mouth and thirst, constipation, or dark yellow urine, then Hei Shun pian and Fa Ban Xia should not be used together. Because Fu pian is warm and hot in nature, it may exacerbate internal heat symptoms; meanwhile, although Fa Ban Xia can resolve phlegm, its warm and drying nature may also increase heat and injure body fluids.
When using traditional Chinese medicines, attention should be paid to interactions between herbs, following medical advice and using medications rationally. At the same time, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as moderate exercise and balanced nutrition, can help improve overall health and promote recovery from illness.
