Ban Xia (Fa, Medium)

English name: Pinellia (Araceae Family) Rhizome

Latin name: Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum

Sold in lbs (454g)

半夏（法）

Untreated pinellia is soaked in water and the water is changed frequently until it is wet in the center. The tubers are then soaked in a decoction of licorice (Gan Cao) and limestone (Shi Hui). The herb is soaked (stirring several times per day) until the exterior of the tubers darken slightly and the numbing sensation of the pinellia is practically imperceptible. The herb is then washed clean and shade dried. Fa Ban Xia is best known for its ability to transform damp and phlegm. For example, it is used for substantial phlegm in treatment of cough with copious phlegm and for insubstantial phlegm in treatment of phlegm induced headaches.