Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Lobeliae Chinensis Herba |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 半邊蓮 · Ban Bian Lian |
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| Medicinal Part | Whole herbs |
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| Efficacy Category | Heat-clearing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried whole herb of Lobelia chinensis Lour. (Campanulaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Heart, Small Intestine, Lung |
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What Is Ban Bian Lian?
Ban Bian Lian (Chinese Lobelia Herb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in Chinese provinces of Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangsu.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid; Neutral
Channels Entered: Heart, Small Intestine, Lung
Ban Bian Lian: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Lobeliae Chinensis Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried whole herb of Lobelia chinensis Lour. (Campanulaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in Chinese provinces of Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangsu.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has green stems and leaves, yellow roots.
Macroscopic Features
Whole herb is 15~35cm long, often tangled into a clump. Roots are thin and small, with thin and fibrous lateral rootlets. Rhizome is thin, long and cylindrical, 1~2mm diameter. Externally pale yellow or yellowish-brown with thin longitudinal wrinkles. Stem is thin and long with branches, grayish-green, with obvious joints. Alternating leaves without petioles; leaves are wrinkled, greenish-brown, narrow lanceolate or long and small after being stretched flat; flowers are small, growing singularly at leaf joints; corolla base is tube-shaped, upper portion has 5 lobes, oriented towards one side. faint odor; taste slightly sweet and acrid.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid; NeutralHeartSmall IntestineLung
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and resolves toxin, promotes diuresis and reduces edema.
How Ban Bian Lian Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Ban Bian Lian is classified among the Heat-clearing herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
