DrFeb
Health Guide

Pinellia Ternata

Meet **Pinellia Ternata** (Ban Xia), a potent herb rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been used for over 2,000 years to clear 'phlegm' and soothe the stomach. While it is technically a plant (a tuber) and not a vitamin, it is most commonly found today as a concentrated extract or supplement. Unlike common fruits and vegetables, this herb is a specialized functional food for your respiratory and digestive health. It works by targeting the body's fluid balance, helping to resolve dampness and keep your breathing passages clear. If you struggle with chronic coughs, mucus, or nausea, this ancient remedy offers targeted, natural support.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Pinellia Ternata
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Toxicity Reduction via Processing

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

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Safety Level (Relative)
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Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Respiratory Relief: Helps clear thick mucus from the lungs, making coughs more productive and easing congestion.
  • Nausea & Vomiting Control: Acts as a powerful anti-emetic, calming the stomach to stop morning sickness, motion sickness, or nausea caused by chemotherapy.
  • Reduces Swelling: In TCM terms, it resolves 'phlegm' accumulations that can manifest as nodules, lumps, or fluid retention.

Deep Dive

Pinellia works primarily by inhibiting the cough reflex and thinning respiratory secretions. It contains bioactive compounds like pinellinine and ephedrine, which target the central nervous system to suppress coughing. Simultaneously, it regulates the function of the stomach and esophagus, preventing the upward flow of gastric fluids (acid reflux). Crucially, raw Pinellia is toxic; it must be processed (usually with ginger or alum) to neutralize its irritating calcium oxalate crystals before it is safe for consumption.

Natural Food Sources

Unlike Vitamin C found in oranges, Pinellia Ternata is a specific medicinal tuber. It does not have common food equivalents. It is harvested from the soil.

Food SourcePart UsedFormNotes
Pinellia TernataTuber (Root)Dried, ProcessedMust be processed to remove toxins.
GingerRhizomeFresh/PowderOften used to process Pinellia (Zhi Ban Xia).

Supplementation

Form: Usually found as dried slices in herbal tea formulas, or powdered into capsules. Dosage: Typical dosage is 3–9 grams of the dried tuber per day in a decoction, or as directed on a supplement label (usually 200–500mg extract). Who Should Use It: Ideal for those with 'Damp-Phlegm' constitution (chronic wet cough, dizziness, nausea, vomiting).

Top Food Sources

Pinellia Ternata Tuber
Primary medicinal source. Processed only.
Ginger
Used to process the tuber for safety.
Aged Citrus Peel
Often paired with Pinellia for Qi regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Pinellia is a tuber (root vegetable) in the Araceae family. Reishi is a fungus. They are completely different species with different uses.
No. It is difficult to distinguish from toxic look-alikes, and raw Pinellia contains needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals that damage tissue. Always buy processed products from reputable suppliers.
In TCM, it helps by reducing 'fluid retention' and dampness, which can reduce bloating. However, it is not a stimulant fat burner.
Ginger (Sheng Jiang) is used to detoxify Pinellia and enhance its ability to stop nausea, creating the classic formula 'Ban Xia Hou Tang Tang'.

Safety & Side Effects

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Raw Pinellia tuber is toxic and can cause severe burning of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Never consume wild, raw Pinellia.

  • Pregnancy: Generally contraindicated or used with extreme caution under professional supervision.
  • Interactions: May interact with medications for nausea (anti-emetics) or cough suppressants.
  • Side Effects: If properly processed, side effects are rare. Overdose may cause numbness or tingling in the extremities.

Scientific References

  • [1]Wang, C., et al. (2019). 'Pinellia ternata in the treatment of cough: A systematic review.' *Journal of Ethnopharmacology*.
  • [2]Xu, J., et al. (2020). 'Anti-emetic effects of Pinellia tuber extract on chemotherapy-induced nausea.' *Phytomedicine*.
  • [3]Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020). Standard for Processed Pinellia (Ban Xia).