Yuncheng Pinellia

Yuncheng Pinellia

　　Yuncheng Pinellia is a specialty of Yuncheng County, Heze City, Shandong Province. The area around Hanshiqiao in Yuncheng features low-lying terrain and a mild climate, which is ideal for the growth of pinellia. As a result, Yuncheng Pinellia is renowned both domestically and internationally for its white color, solid texture, and large size.

　　Pinellia, also known as Ma Gedā (numb lump), Lǎo Guàn Yǎn (crane’s eye), Yù Tóu (taro), Tiān Luò Xīng (sky-fallen star), or Wú Xīn Cài (heartless vegetable), is the dried tuber of a plant in the Araceae family. The medicinal use of pinellia dates back to the “Shennong Bencao Jing” (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), and the “Bencao Gangmu” (Compendium of Materia Medica) states: “Pinellia grows in the fifth month, around the middle of summer, hence its name.”

　　Pinellia is acrid and warm in nature, and toxic. Its primary effects include drying dampness, resolving phlegm, lowering rebellious qi, relieving vomiting, and dissolving masses. It is mainly used to treat conditions such as fluid retention, chest and diaphragm distension, vomiting, and coughing or wheezing. Pinellia is one of Yuncheng’s traditional authentic medicinal herbs. It is well-known for its abundant resources, white color, solid texture, and large size, with a long history. During the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty, Si Zhong (a native of Yuncheng and Minister of Revenue), brought Yuncheng-grown pinellia to the imperial court, where it was highly praised. Since then, Yuncheng pinellia has gained national fame and is known as “Yuncheng Pinellia.”