Pibanxia

Pibanxia

　　In the field of traditional Chinese medicine, Pibanxia is universally praised. Since being identified by Ge Hong of the Jin Dynasty, Pibanxia has gained nationwide fame. A member of the Araceae family, Pibanxia is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of 15–30 cm. Its underground tuber is spherical or slightly flattened, measuring 1–2 cm in diameter. Young seedlings typically have a single leaf, while mature plants usually develop a compound leaf with three small leaflets. It blooms from May to September, and the fruit ripens to a red color. With a pungent and warm nature, it is toxic and is used to eliminate dampness, resolve phlegm, reduce rebellious qi, and relieve vomiting. It is mainly used to treat coughs with excessive phlegm and nausea or vomiting. Although there is still some scattered harvesting of Pibanxia in present-day Pizhou, it is no longer highly valued. The fame of Pibanxia has now shifted to the Yangtze River basin.