Botanical Overview
Corydalis yanhusuo (family Papaveraceae), commonly known as Yanhusuo or Yuan Hu Suo, is a plant native to East Asia, primarily China. The medicinal part used is the rhizome, prized in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for its analgesic and blood-moving properties.
Energetics
This herb is considered warming in temperature with neutral moisture. It tastes bitter and pungent, and its directionality is both ascending and descending. It is classified as relaxing in tonicity and primarily influences the qi and blood in the body.
Primary Actions
- Analgesic
- Antispasmodic
- Blood mover
- Sedative
Indications
Western
- Pain management including neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain
- Muscle cramps and dysmenorrhea
- Headache
Syndromes
- Circulatory insufficiency
- Neuropathic pain syndromes
- Musculoskeletal pain syndromes
TCM
- Stagnation pain such as abdominal and chest pain
- Menstrual cramps
Syndromes
- Qi and Blood stagnation
- Pain due to stagnation
- Dysmenorrhea
Ayurveda
Not documented.
Unani
Not documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The primary phytochemical constituents are isoquinoline alkaloids, notably tetrahydropalmatine and corydaline, which contribute to its analgesic and sedative effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powdered rhizome: 3-9 g daily
- Decoction of dried rhizome: 6-12 g
- Tincture (1:5, 30-50% ethanol): 1-3 mL two to three times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Use with caution due to potential sedation and dizziness; avoid concurrent use with other sedatives. Safety in pregnancy and lactation is not established; contraindicated during these periods. High doses may cause toxicity related to alkaloids.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-documented planetary or elemental rulers identified in credible sources.
Selected References
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica by Dan Bensky et al., 2004
- Pharmacology and potential clinical applications of Corydalis yanhusuo alkaloids, Zhao et al., 2015
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, Heinrich et al., 2018
- The analgesic effect of tetrahydropalmatine, Li et al., 2013