Corydalis Corydalis spp
yellow corydalis flowers
- Common Names
- Corydalis , fumewort, Yan Hu So
- Botanical Name
- Corydalis spp
- Family
- PAPAVERACEAE
Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Corydalis
How to Use|
Side Effects |
Plant & Garden|
- Medicinal Uses: * Cardiovascular
* Chinese
* Cramps/abdominal
* Dysmenorrhea
* Headache/Migraine
* Hypertension
* Pain Relief
* Sleep/Insomnia
- Properties: * Analgesic * Anodyne * Antispasmodic * Depurative * Hypotensive * Muscle Relaxant * Sedative
- Parts Used: Tuber and bulb
- Constituents: alkaloids, bulbocapnine, cordalines, tetrahydropalmatine (thp), and protopine
How to Use: Corydalis
Corydalis is a member of the poppy family, and like many Papaverceae Corydalis is an anodyne, a central nervous system depressant, cardiotonic, and sedative. Corydalis has been used and studied mostly in the East, and has been used in TCM for centuries. Corydalis is currently being studied for use in cancer, dysmenorrhea, hypertension, and convulsions, however the primary focus is on the herbs use as a natural pain reliever. Recently a study published in the journal Current Biology identified the compound dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB) which holds special promise for those with persistent, low-level chronic pain. This means it has the potential to offer relief of chronic, agonising pain from arthritis to back pain. 2
Corydalis contains the alkaloid bulbocapnine, which is occasionally used in medicine to treat convulsions, Parkinson's disease and Meniere's disease. It has been used in the treatment of muscular tremors and vestibular nystagmus. 4
Preparation Methods & Dosage :The dried rhizome of Corydalis, is usually recommended at 5 - 10 grams per day in capsules. Can be taken as a tea, but it is bitter . Follow label instructions for liquid extracts. Used with white peony , cramp bark and valerian for menstrual cramping, pain relief and insomnia. Traditional TCM formulations include Yuanhu Zhi Tong and Yan Hu So.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Corydalis, yanhusuo, is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a pain reliever, and according to Chinese research, Corydalis has an analgesic effect approximately 1 % that of the strength of opium. (Mabey,Richard)Yuanhu Zhi Tong Formula, a combination of Angelica and Corydalis root is a traditional formula is in TCM to
soothe the Qi energy and prevent blood stagnation during pain.
Corydalis Side Effects: Corydalis should always be used under the supervision of a health care provider. Not for use in children, pregnant or nursing women,liver or kidney disease.
Plant Description
Corydalis is a genus of about 470 species in the poppy family (sometimes included in the fumewort family),most diverse in China and the Himalayas.
Regional Traditions :Traditional Chinese Medicine *
History and Traditions & Folklore
The psychiatrist Robert Heath carried out experiments on prisoners at the Louisiana State Penitentiary using bulbocapnine to induce stupor Wikipedia, Bulbocapnine
Works Cited- Mabey, Richard. "New Age Herbalist, The " Fireside, (1988) In TCM, corydalis is a major pain reliever used particularly for menstrual cramping, gastric and abdominal pain, and headaches. p59
- Yan Zhang, Chaoran Wang, et al . , Current Biology 10.1016/j.cub.2013.11.039, (02 January 2014): Dehydrocorybulbine DHCB is effective against inflammatory pain and injury-induced neuropathic pain and furthermore causes no antinociceptive tolerance. The compound displays moderate dopamine receptor antagonist activities. ,
- Dr. Oz . Corydalis: Is This Right for You , , (01/28/2014 ): Corydalis appears to work similarly to prescription pain medications that block pain signals in the brain without carrying the same risk of addiction ,
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