Bàn Xià (半夏) — Pinellia Rhizome
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Bàn Xià (半夏) — Pinellia ternata — is known in English as Pinellia rhizome / Crow-dipper. It belongs to the category of Herbs that transform Phlegm-Cold in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Bàn Xià as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Bàn Xià |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 半夏 |
| Latin name | Pinellia ternata |
| English name | Pinellia rhizome / Crow-dipper |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels entered | Lung, Spleen, Stomach |
| Category | Herbs that transform Phlegm-Cold |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm
- Descends rebellious Qi and stops vomiting
- Dissipates nodules and reduces swelling
- Harmonises the Stomach
Indications
- Cough with copious white or clear sputum from Cold-Phlegm
- Nausea and vomiting from various causes — the principal antiemetic herb in TCM
- Dizziness and vertigo from Phlegm-Damp
- Morning sickness during pregnancy (in processed form, prepared with ginger)
- Phlegm nodules — goitre, lymph nodes, lipomas
- Insomnia from Phlegm-Fire disturbing the Heart (combined with cooling herbs)
- Chest tightness and epigastric fullness from Phlegm obstruction
4. Key formulas containing Bàn Xià
Bàn Xià is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
- Er Chen Tang
- Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
- Ban Xia Hou Po Tang
- Wen Dan Tang
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Pinellia ternata (Ban Xia) has been subject to significant pharmacological research. In clinical use, only the processed (detoxified) forms are used — Fa Ban Xia (processed with alum), Jiang Ban Xia (processed with ginger) and Qing Ban Xia (processed with limonite). Key bioactive constituents include alkaloids, lectins, homogentisic acid and beta-sitosterol. Research confirms antiemetic properties (used clinically in chemotherapy-induced nausea), anti-tussive effects, anti-tumour activity against cervical and lung cancer cell lines, and CNS inhibitory effects consistent with its use in insomnia. The formula Ban Xia Hou Po Tang has been specifically studied in clinical trials for globus sensation, nausea and anxiety.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Raw Ban Xia is toxic and must never be used internally without processing. Only processed forms are appropriate for clinical use. Contraindicated in dry cough from Yin deficiency, and in haemoptysis. Use with caution in pregnancy (only processed Jiang Ban Xia in appropriate formulas for morning sickness). Traditional contraindication with Wu Tou (Aconite).
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Bàn Xià as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Morning sickness, Digestive disorders, Insomnia, Tinnitus. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
