The efficacy and effects of Pinellia ternata

Pinellia (also known as processed Pinellia or Banxia) is a plant belonging to the genus Pinellia in the Araceae family, and has the following main medicinal properties and effects: 1. **Drying dampness and resolving phlegm**: Pinellia effectively treats various symptoms caused by lung dryness, such as sore throat, cough, and wheezing. It is also notably effective for conditions including excessive phlegm with cough and asthma, palpitations and dizziness due to phlegm accumulation, vertigo due to wind-phlegm, and headache caused by phlegm syncope. 2. **Harmonizing the stomach and stopping vomiting**: Pinellia helps alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, acid reflux, and vomiting, by harmonizing stomach function. 3. **Detoxification and reducing swelling**: Pinellia contains various alkaloids and amino acids, giving it detoxifying and anti-swelling properties. It can be used to treat conditions such as snake bites. 4. **Treating gallstones**: With its ability to dissipate nodules and reduce swelling, Pinellia—when combined with specific herbal ingredients—can effectively treat gallstones.