Corydalis (Corydalis yanhusuo)
- Digestive
- 4 conditions
- Illustrated plate
Overview
Corydalis is a small herbaceous perennial growing to 8 inches with narrow leaves and pink flowers. Native to Siberia, northern China, and Japan, it is commonly cultivated in eastern and northeastern parts of China. Propagated from seed in early spring or autumn, the rhizome is harvested in late spring and early summer when the aerial parts have withered. This important Chinese remedy has been used at least since the 8th century to help 'invigorate the blood' and relieve almost any painful condition, particularly menstrual cramps and chest and abdominal pain.
Traditional uses & properties
Corydalis is a natural pain reliever containing powerful alkaloids - especially corydaline and tetrahydropalmatine (THP) - that provide analgesic, antispasmodic, and sedative effects. The powdered rhizome has up to one-tenth the analgesic potency of morphine, making it a valuable though milder pain-relief option. THP acts as a central nervous system depressant, blocking dopamine receptors and stimulating secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which controls aspects of stress. Several clinical trials in China have shown corydalis to be very effective in relieving menstrual pain. In Chinese herbal medicine, it is specifically taken to treat pain from almost any cause and is rarely used alone, being combined with various other herbs as appropriate. It is well worth trying for period pain (combines well with cramp bark), abdominal conditions such as appendicitis or peptic ulcer, and pain from traumatic injury. As corydalis is thought to 'invigorate the blood,' it is especially useful for pain stemming from obstruction of normal blood flow.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Standard decoction: Tastes vile but is effective; 3-8 ounces as needed. Tincture (dried rhizome 1:3, 50% alcohol): 1-5 ml (0.2-1 tsp.) as needed. Standardized extract: THP 100-200 mg daily. Capsules or powder (tea powder concentrate works best): 1,000-2,000 mg, 2-3 times daily.
Safety & precautions
Do not take during pregnancy. Generally well-tolerated when used as directed. The alkaloid content provides effective pain relief but should be used responsibly.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to Siberia, northern China, and Japan. Commonly cultivated in eastern and northeastern China. Propagated from seed in early spring or autumn. The rhizome is harvested in late spring and early summer when the aerial parts have withered.
Traditionally used for
- Ulcers15 herbs · 2 free
- Menstrual Pain11 herbs · 2 free
- Back pain5 herbs · 2 free
- Muscle Strain8 herbs · 2 free
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Frequently asked questions
What is Corydalis (Corydalis yanhusuo) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Corydalis (Corydalis yanhusuo) as follows: Corydalis is a natural pain reliever containing powerful alkaloids - especially corydaline and tetrahydropalmatine (THP) - that provide analgesic, antispasmodic, and sedative effects. The powdered rhizome has up to one-tenth the analgesic potency of morphine, making it a valuable though milder pain-relief option. THP acts as a central nervous system depressant, blocking dopamine receptors and stimulating secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which controls aspects of stress. Several clinical trials in China have shown corydalis to be very effective in relieving menstrual pain. In Chinese herbal medicine, it is specifically taken to treat pain from almost any cause and is rarely used alone, being combined with various other herbs as appropriate. It is well worth trying for period pain (combines well with cramp bark), abdominal conditions such as appendicitis or peptic ulcer, and pain from traumatic injury. As corydalis is thought to 'invigorate the blood,' it is especially useful for pain stemming from obstruction of normal blood flow.
How is Corydalis (Corydalis yanhusuo) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. Standard decoction: Tastes vile but is effective; 3-8 ounces as needed. Tincture (dried rhizome 1:3, 50% alcohol): 1-5 ml (0.2-1 tsp.) as needed. Standardized extract: THP 100-200 mg daily. Capsules or powder (tea powder concentrate works best): 1,000-2,000 mg, 2-3 times daily.
What safety cautions apply to Corydalis (Corydalis yanhusuo)?
Do not take during pregnancy. Generally well-tolerated when used as directed. The alkaloid content provides effective pain relief but should be used responsibly.
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