Chinese lobelia (ban bian lian)

Lobelia chinensis

Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic and detoxifying in oedema, inflamed ulcers and snakebites.

Safety notes

Caution with any deficiency pattern. Contains lobeline-like alkaloids: not in high doses. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Chinese materia medica: Snakebites and ascites require medical care.

Preparation

Whole plant. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that drain dampness'. Ban bian lian, 'half lotus', has flowers with petals on one side only. It is pounded fresh and laid on snakebites and used for fluid retention.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: sweet, neutral
Meridians: liver, kidney, heart, lung, small intestine

Attributed effects

For oedema and ascites, enteritis, dysentery, eczema, inflamed ulcers, abscesses and snakebites.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 15–30 g a day, usually in a decoction. It is being researched in China for cancer. Unlike the American Lobelia inflata, Chinese lobelia is not used as an emetic; we deliberately do not include the lobelia emetic cure the book describes for asthma.

Caution: Snakebites and ascites require medical care.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction

Sources

All herbs from Asia →