PINELLIA & MAGNOLIA BARK
Ban Xia/Hou Po

 

Pinellia ternate & Magnolia officinalis

 

 

Ban Xia

acrid, warm, toxic dries Damp, transforms Phlegm, relieves distension,  dissolves lumps, directs qi downwards, stops vomiting

Hou Po

bitter, acrid, warm dries Damp, moves qi, directs qi downwards, calms asthma


Major therapeutic action
Regulates qi, directs qi downwards, transforms Phlegm, disperses lumps.

 Dosage
The typical proportion when added to a constitutional formula is 6:1 formula to addition (15 grams in 75- 90 grams of formula). If a stronger effect is desired more can be added. When used alone the dose is three grams twice daily.

Indications
*  Globus hysterics, gastrointestinal neurosis, oesophagus spasm or chronic laryngitis due to qi stagnation and Phlegm stagnation.
*  Cough due to Damp Phlegm.

Cautions and contraindications
Caution in patients with yin and Body Fluid deficiency while prescribing Ban Xia.
Hou Po is contraindicated in patients with internal Heat and Body Fluid deficiency.

Combinations
*  For profuse Phlegm and qi stagnation, combine with San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
*  For globus hysterics accompanied with mental depression, combine with Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.