Chinese Medicine Herbal Formulas
Ban Xia Hou Po Tang
Pinellia and Magnolia Bark Decoction
Main Action of Ban Xia Hou Po Tang
The functions of this traditional chinese medicine formula is to promote Qi movement, dissipate clumps, direct rebellious Qi downwards and transform phlegm. This TCM herbal formula is best suited for conditions of Plum Pit Syndrome (mei he Qi in Chinese). Plum Pit syndrome is said to result in emotional upset where the patient feels a small lump (plum pit size) in their throat which cannot be swallowed or coughed up. This is stagnation due to the lung and stomach’s lack of ability to move Qi downwards. Phlegm accumulates and stagnates with the Qi creating a clump of stagnated phlegm and Qi.
Indications and Symptoms for Ban Xia Hou Po Tang
feeling of something caught in the throat that can not be swallowed downwards or brought up and out, stifling sensation in ones chst and hypochondria, possible coughing with vomiting.
Tongue – white greasy coat
Pulse – wiry, slow, slippery
Herbal Ingredients of Ban Xia Hou Po Tang
Ban Xia (Rhizome Pinelliae Tematae, Pinellia Rhizome) - 9-12g.
-transforms phlegm, eliminates clumping, direct rebel Qi downwards, harmonize stomach
Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis, Magnolia Bark) - 9g.
-eliminates stifling sensation, eliminates clumping, directs rebel Qi downwards
Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos, China-root, Poria, Hoelen) - 12g.
-tonify spleen Qi, drains dampness and transforms phlegm
Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis Recens, Fresh Ginger Rhizome) - 15g.
-harmonize stomach, stop vomiting
Zi Su Ye (Folium Perillae Frutescentis, Perilla Leaf) - 6g.
-warming, dispersing, promotes other herbs to act on lungs, relieves cough
Cooking Preparation of Ban Xia Hou Po Tang
When preparing this Chinese medicine formula only 9 grams of Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis Recens) is generally used by today’s practitioners.
Additional Information on Ban Xia Hou Po Tang
Although Plum Pit is most often caused by Qi and phlegm stagnation it may also be caused by fire from stagnation and Qi and blood deficiency. The patients pattern should be carefully observed before any formula or diagnosis is given.
The natural herbs in this formula can easily injure the patients yin and should be used with caution to any individual who expresses yin deficiency symptoms.
When the appropriate symptoms are present this alternative medicine herbal formula can be used to treat hysteria, functional gastrointestinal disorders, esophageal spasm, chronic laryngitis and tracheitis.