banxia houpo tang

Banxia Houpo Tang is a traditional Chinese herbal formula first recorded in the 3rd-century text "Essentials from the Golden Cabinet" by Zhang Zhongjing. It is composed of five main herbs: Pinellia ternata rhizome (Banxia), Magnolia officinalis bark (Houpo), Poria cocos sclerotium (Fuling), Zingiber officinale rhizome (Shengjiang/fresh ginger), and Perilla frutescens leaf (Zisuye). The formula is primarily used to regulate Qi movement and transform phlegm. Its classical indication is for "plum-pit syndrome"—a sensation of something stuck in the throat often associated with emotional distress—but it also addresses a range of respiratory, digestive, and psychosomatic symptoms linked to Qi stagnation and phlegm accumulation. Modern research suggests it may improve swallowing reflexes in elderly patients with aspiration pneumonia by increasing substance P levels[2][7]. The mechanism involves promoting downward movement of Stomach and Lung Qi, dispersing stagnant Qi especially in the throat/chest region, drying dampness from the Spleen, transforming phlegm, regulating fluid metabolism[1][5][10].

Brand names

PharynJoyBan Xia Hou Po Tang (various manufacturers)Pinellia & Magnolia Bark Formula

Other names

Pinellia and Magnolia Bark Decoction半夏厚朴汤Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang