What is Pinellia?

Pinellia is a family of plants in the Araceae family, which includes a wide range of plants on tuber bearing, many of which produce oxalic acid crystals in their roots and leaves. Plants in Pinellia are used in traditional Chinese medicine and some are also planted as ornaments around the world. The alerts should be used when using Pinellia, also called Zhi Ban Xia or Ban Xia , in medical treatment, because the roots may be toxic if they are not treated. Many Chinese herbalists are banned xia , in the form of capsules and dried roots for various potential use. Flowers grow on long stems that are born seeds. Many ornamental varieties are grown for their glossy leaves and simple flowers. Plants come from China and Japan, where the tubers were harvested for use in medicine.

untreated tubers contain oxalic acid,that can be toxic if consumed. In cases where the pinellia root is consumed, it is soaked to remove oxalic acid, which can be further neutralized by ingredients such as tea or vinegar in the preparation of herbs. Pinellia is also used for Moxibusion, in which case it is usually not specially treated, because the user will not consume it. Marking Pinellia products is not always reliable; If the root package does not specifically state that they are safe for consumption, suppose they need to be handled.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the Xia is used to treat coughs and to support mucus production. Sometimes it is also used for intestinal complaints such as vomiting or diarrhea. Only small amounts of herbs are used to prevent toxic dose, and because it is a class all patients is not suitable as a herb and a drying herb; For example, if the patient is already warm, the herb could worsen the condition. Pinellia affects three meridians: heart, spleen and ŽAludek.

TCM practice is incredibly complex and the doctor requires years of training. The aim of medical treatment is to identify and repair imbalance rather than treat symptoms. Because TCM is complicated, it is good to see Chinese herbalists before taking Chinese herbs, as it can diagnose an imbalance that requires the use of various herbs or additional treatments such as acupuncture or moxibuction.