Pinellia ternata (commonly known as Ban Xia) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly for the treatment of respiratory conditions such as bronchial congestion, cough, and phlegm. In TCM, Pinellia ternata is considered an important herb for “transforming phlegm” and “drying dampness.” It is a key ingredient in classical formulas like Er Chen Tang and Ban Xia Hou Po Tang, which are prescribed for symptoms including cough, chest congestion, and the accumulation of thick sputum. The use of Pinellia ternata for these indications is grounded in centuries of empirical practice and is documented in numerous TCM texts.

From a scientific standpoint, there is limited modern clinical research directly supporting its efficacy for bronchial congestion. A few pharmacological studies suggest that extracts of Pinellia ternata may have antitussive (cough-suppressing), anti-inflammatory, and expectorant effects in animal models, but robust human clinical trials are lacking. Most contemporary support for its use comes from traditional practice and case studies rather than rigorous scientific validation. Furthermore, raw Pinellia ternata is toxic and must be properly processed before use to avoid adverse effects.

In summary, while Pinellia ternata is widely used in traditional medicine for bronchial congestion and related symptoms, scientific evidence remains limited, and its use is primarily justified by traditional rather than modern clinical data.