The effects of the Chinese herb Banxia (Pinellia ternata)

Pinellia (Banxia) can be used to clear heat and detoxify, effectively treating diseases such as wind-heat感冒, bronchitis, pneumonia, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. It helps eliminate phlegm and clears the lungs by resolving phlegm. It also has antibacterial, blood glucose-lowering, and anticancer effects. Pinellia strengthens the spleen and stimulates the appetite, promoting gastrointestinal motility, increasing appetite, and aiding digestion and absorption in the spleen and stomach. With a pungent and bitter taste and warm, drying nature, Pinellia primarily enters the lung, spleen, and liver meridians, functioning to warm the lungs and dispel cold. It is mainly indicated for conditions caused by cold-phlegm or damp-phlegm, such as cough with wheezing, excessive white sputum, greasy tongue coating, dizziness, limb numbness, and other symptoms resulting from cold-phlegm or damp-phlegm.

Pinellia itself is toxic, so dosage and processing methods must be carefully observed during use. Raw Pinellia is highly toxic and generally needs to be processed before use to reduce its toxicity. Pinellia should not be used concurrently with Aconitum-type herbs to avoid adverse reactions.