Corydalis

Corydalis yanhusuo

Corydalis

The Corydalis genus is a relative of the poppy and native to many regions in the Northern Hemisphere and has many different species in China and the Himalayas. It grows in woodland environments and the bright yellow root or tuber is used for medicine. Most yellow roots contain the group of phytochemicals known as alkaloids, and this one is no exception. It has been used by all cultures where it is native, and species found in North America have a long history of use.

What is Corydalis Used For?

This particular species has been used to modulate the response to pain and helps “relax the tissues of the digestive apparatus,” according to Eclectic physicians Felter & Lloyd.* Corydalis earned a particularly strong reputation with the Eclectic Physicians practicing in the United States in the mid to late 1800’s as an alterative, more commonly referred to as a “cleansing” herb. All alkaloids and most yellowish roots have bitter principles that help to tonify digestion and encourage healthy peristalsis*. Corydalis was also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to move stagnant Qi and blood and alleviate occasional discomfort association with lack of movement of fluids*.