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Bitter, sweet, slightly cold. Non-toxic.
Indications are attached under the Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma entry.

Qi is slightly cold; taste is acrid, neutral. Bitter and acrid, with strong acridity and weak bitterness; it is Yin within Yang. Raw form is slightly cold; processed form is warm. Toxic.
Enters the Foot-Yangming Meridian, Foot-Taiyin Meridian, and Foot-Shaoyang Meridian.
*Bencao Fahui* (Li Gao) states: Treats cold phlegm, and cough caused by lung injury from exposure to cold and consumption of cold drinks. Greatly harmonizes Stomach Qi, removes Cold in the Stomach, and promotes appetite. For Touhou due to Phlegm-Jue of the Taiyin, this herb cannot be omitted.
*Yongfa Xiang* (Wang Haogu) states: It can overcome Dampness in the Spleen and Stomach, thus resolving Phlegm. Contraindicated for those with thirst.
*Tangye Bencao* (Zhang Yuansu) states: Resolves chest fullness and oppression, removes Phlegm above the diaphragm.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* states: Primarily treats alternating chills and fever from Shanghan, hardness below the heart, directs rebellious Qi downward, sore throat, dizziness, chest distension, coughing with counterflow Qi, and borborygmus. Stops sweating.
Resolves heat-phlegm fullness and accumulation in the heart, abdomen, chest, and diaphragm; coughing with counterflow Qi; acute pain and hard masses below the heart; vomiting and regurgitation during epidemic diseases; dissipates carbuncles and swellings; induces abortion; treats sallow complexion; enhances facial luster. Raw form induces vomiting; processed form promotes bowel movement. When used, wash with decoction until all slipperiness is removed. Processed with equal parts of Shengjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens), it eliminates phlegm-saliva, opens the stomach, and strengthens the Spleen. Shegan (Radix Belamcandae) is its guiding herb. Dislikes Saojiao (Fructus Gleditsiae Sinensis). Fears Xionghuang (Realgar), Shengjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens), Ganjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis Qinpi (Cortex Fraxini), Guijia (Carapax et Plastrum Testudinis). Incompatible with Wutou (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata).
*Yaoxing Lun* states: Banxia acts as an envoy. Avoid sheep blood, Haizao (Thallus Sargassii), Yitang (Saccharum officinarum juice). Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri) is its guiding herb. Common usage treats it as a Lung herb, which is incorrect. To stop vomiting, it belongs to the Foot-Yangming; to resolve phlegm, it belongs to the Foot-Taiyin. Although used to stop vomiting in Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), it also assists Chaihu in stopping aversion to cold, thus relating to the Foot-Shaoyang; it also assists Huangqin (Radix Scutellariae) in clearing heat, thus relating to the Foot-Yangming. Alternating chills and fever occur between the exterior and interior, hence using this herb implies a "half-and-half" intent. Originally named Banxia because it treats the alternating chills and fever of Shanghan. The Classics state: The Kidney governs the five fluids, transforming them into five dampnesses. Entering internally becomes saliva; entering the Liver becomes tears; entering the Heart becomes sweat; entering the Spleen becomes phlegm; entering the Lung becomes nasal discharge. Saliva present is called Sou (phlegm-rheum); saliva absent is called Ke (cough). Phlegm arises when coughing agitates the Spleen's dampness. Banxia can drain the branch manifestation of phlegm but cannot drain its root; draining the root involves draining the Kidney. Cough is formless; phlegm has form. Formless things moisten; formed things dry. Thus, it serves to moisten through flow and dry through transformation.