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Cura x Cura

Ban Bian Lian半边莲

Lobeliae Chinensis Herba · Chinese Lobelia

Herbs that Clear Heat 清热药《本草纲目》

Overview

A small creeping herb that came into the materia medica from folk practice and stayed for two things: it resolves heat toxicity — classically the herb mashed fresh onto snakebite — and it moves water, so it is used for edema and abdominal fluid accumulation with damp-heat. Its snakebite reputation belongs to a world without antivenom, and no modern use of it should delay emergency care.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid · Neutral

Channels

Heart · Small Intestine · Lung

Typical Dosage

10–15 g in decoction
半边莲Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Clears heat, resolves toxicityCarbuncles, boils and hot swollen sores; traditionally the first thing applied to insect and snake bite, taken internally and packed on the wound.
  • Promotes urination, reduces swellingEdema, abdominal fluid accumulation and damp-heat jaundice where fluid is blocked rather than deficient.
  • Disperses swellings and nodulesHot, firm swellings and inflamed lymph nodes, used alongside other toxicity-resolving herbs.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Ban Bian Lian

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Boils, carbuncles and hot swollen sores
    - Insect and snake bite (adjunct to emergency treatment)
    - Edema, abdominal fluid accumulation, damp-heat jaundice

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

CellulitisAbscessEdemaAscitesInsect bite

Contraindications

Cautions

Not for edema of deficiency, where fluid pools because yang is weak rather than because damp-heat blocks its passage. Amounts above the stated range can bring on nausea, salivation, dizziness or headache — keep to the range and to a short course. Snakebite is a medical emergency: this herb has a historical first-aid role and no place as a substitute for antivenom or hospital care.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Use with caution in pregnancy — practitioner supervision required

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Li Shi-zhen 李时珍. Ben Cao Gang Mu《本草纲目》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.