Pinellia is a genus of plants in the family Araceae native to East Asia (China, Korea, Japan).

Both characteristics have allowed some species to become weedy in temperate areas outside their native range, notably Pinellia ternata in eastern North America.

It is used in small 3-6 gram dosages in herbal formulas to warmly dry the lungs, to stop nausea and vomiting, and to address goiters or scrofula.

Because the raw root is toxic, it is soaked in water to remove oxalates and other irritants, or processed with ginger.

[7] When listed as an ingredient in a supplement for weight loss or energy, Pinellia has been charged with indicating the presence of ephedra alkaloids,[8] which would be a violation of labeling laws.