What is Pinellia?

Pinellia is a genus of plants in the family Araceae, native to East Asia (China, Korea, Japan).The species is often called the Green Dragon due to the color and shape of the inflorescences,which have a green, hooded spathe from which protrudes a long tongue Extended spikes.Leaf shapes vary widely across species, from simple heart-shaped to compound with three to many leaflets.Pinellia reproduces rapidly from seed, and many species also develop bulbils on the leaves.These two traits allow some species to become weedy in temperate regions outside their native ranges, notably Pinellia in eastern North America.

Use in Traditional Chinese Medicine 

The processed root is known as Pinellia or Pinellia, and is one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine for reducing phlegm and relieving cough.This herb is warm and dry in nature and is only suitable for people who are neither hot nor dry (known as yin deficiency).Use in small doses of 3-6 grams in herbal formulas to warm the lungs, stop nausea and vomiting, and address goiter or scrofula.Dried root slices are also used as a basis for moxibustion.Because the roots are poisonous,soak them in water to remove oxalates and other irritants,or process them with ginger.The raw root is only used externally in traditional Chinese medicine.Pinellia has been accused of suggesting the presence of ephedra alkaloids when listed as an ingredient in weight loss or energy supplements,which would violate labeling laws.