Pinellia Tuber(Ban xia)

It is the dried tuber of Pinellia ternata(Thunb.)Breit,family Araceae.The tubers are dug and collected in spring and autumn.After they are peeled and fibrous roots are removed,they are washed clean and dried in the sunshine.Shengbanxia (raw pinellia tuber)is processed with fresh ginger or alum to be used as a medicine.

Medicinal Properties:pungent,warm and toxic.

Meridian Tropism:spleen,stomach and lung meridians.

Medicinal Efficacies:Dry dampness and resolve phlegm;suppress adverse rise of qi to stop vomiting;relieve stuffiness and dissipate nodulation;relieve swelling and pain.

Usage and Dosage:3~9g.It is made into powder and applied on the affected parts with appripriate amount.It is usually used after processing.For instance,Jiangbanxia is very effective for suppressing adverse rise of qi and stopping vomiting,and Fabanxia is usually used to dry dampness with mildly warm property.