1. Description:
Pinellia pedatisecta (scientific name: Pinellia pedatisecta Schott, Chinese Pinyin: Hu Zhang, Simplified Chinese: 虎掌, 虎膏), is a species of perennial, flowering, herbaceous and poisonous plant in genus Pinellia (spadix family Araceae). Found under the forest, in the valley or wetland (from between 0 to 1,000 meters in elevation) in China, the tuberous root of Pinellia pedatisecta is used as carminative, antispasmodic, expectorant and lump resolver in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as stroke.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The root of Pinellia pedatisecta is considered to have bitter, warm and high toxicity properties and to be associated with the lung, liver and spleen meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Pinellia Pedatisecta & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Stroke
Ointment made with Pinellia pedatisecta root and resin of kaput wood can be used externally to treat stroke.
3.2 Convulsion
Processed Pinellia pedatisecta root mixed with cinnabar can be taken with nepeta cataria soup to treat febrile convulsion in infants and children.
3.3 Facial Paralysis
Fresh Pinellia pedatisecta root is powdered and mixed with ginger juice, it can be applied externally to treat facial paralysis, facial drooping as well as jaw deviation.
3.4 Injuries
Smashed fresh Pinellia pedatisecta root can be applied externally to heal injuries from falls, fractures, contusions and strains.
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.