Pinyin: ban xia (fa)

Properties: acrid, warm
Channels Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Lung

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
1. Dries Dampness, Dissolves Phlegm

2. Redirects Abnormally Rising Stomach Qi, Relieves Nausea and Vomiting
3. Dissipates Nodules and Disperses Stagnation

4. Treats Sores, Skin Ulcerations and Carbuncles

DOSAGE

5 to 10 grams in decoction.

CAUTIONS I CONTRAINDICA TIONS
• Warm and drying in nature, Ban Xia should be avoided, or used with extreme caution, for patients who have dry coughing from yin deficiency, sore throat caused by heat and fire, and for those experiencing bleeding or who have hot phlegm.
• Ban Xia is incompatible with Wu Tou (Radix Aconiti).
• Fresh or unprocessed Ban Xia is toxic,and its use should be reserved for topical applications only. For internal use, it should be processed to minimize toxicity.
• Allergic reactions have been reported following the use of Ban Xia. Symptoms include redness and an excruciating itch throughout the entire body.