Pinellia Ban Xia & Citrus Chen Pi

Pinellia Ban Xia is warm, drying, clears Cold Phlegm and directs Stomach Qi downward.

Citrus Chen Pi is Warm, dry, aromatic, dries Damp and moves Qi.

Together, they are very important for Phlegm and Damp conditions in TCM. They effectively dry Damp, resolve Phlegm, move Qi to release stagnation associated with Phlegm and Damp, and are very effective to promote Digestion and relieve Nausea.

Phlegm and Damp cause stasis and obstruction of Qi. Citrus Chen Pi aromatically revives the Qi to resolve this stagnation. Pinellia Ban Xia is stronger to break up and clear tough Phlegm. When used together, these medicines treat the cause and the effect; the stagnation of Qi and the obstruction of Phlegm and Damp.

Examples:

Bao He Wan, Er Chen Tang (Two Cured Decoction), Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction), Wen Dan Tang

Cautions:

These medicines are very drying. They are therefore only suitable for cases with excess Phlegm and Damp, but are unsuitable for Yin deficiency or Dryness.

Additions:

1. Add Poria Fu Ling and Fried Licorice Zhi Gan Cao to form Er Chen Tang (Two Cured Decoction). This is the primary medicine for Phlegm and Damp.
2. Add Atracylodes Bai Zhu, Poria Fu Ling, Codonopsis Dang Shen and Licorice (as in Liu Jun Zi Tang). This is used for Spleen Qi deficiency with Phlegm and Damp. Symptoms include Fatigue, poor Appetite, Nausea and a thick or shiny tongue coat.