The Efficacy and Function of Banxia (Pinellia Ternata)
During this period, I have been coughing constantly, with a feeling of tightness and discomfort in the chest. It is very uncomfortable, as if I want to cough but cannot. I remember there is a Chinese herb called Qing Shui Ban Xia (Processed Pinellia Tuber) in traditional Chinese medicine, which seems to be helpful for my condition. Therefore, what are the effects and functions of Qing Shui Ban Xia?
Doctor's answer (1)
Pianxia processed with clear water is a traditional Chinese medicine and a processed form of Pinellia. It has the function of drying dampness and resolving phlegm, effectively alleviating discomforts such as cough, sputum production, viscous phlegm, chest tightness, and shortness of breath caused by damp-phlegm or cold-phlegm. This therapeutic effect is mainly due to its warm nature and pungent taste, which enables it to enter the spleen, stomach, and lung meridians, thereby exerting its phlegm-resolving action.
Pianxia processed with clear water also has certain sedative and tranquilizing effects and can be used as an adjunct in treating insomnia and palpitations. In clinical TCM applications, it is often combined with other medicinal herbs. For instance, when used together with tangerine peel and poria, it enhances the effect of drying dampness and resolving phlegm; combined with coptis and skullcap, it can clear heat and resolve phlegm, making it suitable for conditions characterized by excessive heat-phlegm accumulation.
Pianxia processed with clear water also helps to dissipate nodules and relieve distension, and can be used to treat conditions such as chest binding (Jie Xiong) and globus hystericus (Mei He Qi). Its pungent-dispersing and warm-drying properties help eliminate masses and nodules in the body, achieving the effect of dispersing accumulations.
Pianxia processed with clear water is warm in nature and pungent in taste, and has certain toxicity. Dosage must be strictly controlled during use, and it should be administered under the guidance of a physician to avoid adverse reactions. Particularly, pregnant women and individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach should use it cautiously to prevent potential side effects.
