Latin Name: Coptis chinensis
Alternate Names: Goldthread, Yellow Root, Mishmi Bitter, Huang Lian (Chinese), Canker Root, Mouth Root
Family: RANUNCULACEAE
Parts Used: Rhizome.
Properties: Antibacterial, Bitter Tonic, Cholagogue, Febrifuge, Refrigerant, Stomach Tonic
Internal Uses: Abscess, Colitis, Dysentery, Irritable Bowel, Jaundice, Nightmares, Nosebleeds
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.
Topical Uses: Cold Sores, Herpes, Yeast Infection
Topical Applications: Juice of fresh root or tea can be used as an eyewash or gargle. It is also applied to cold sores and herpes lesions. Douche for yeast or bacterial infections. Use as a mouthwash for cold sores.
Energetics: Bitter, Cold.
Chemical Constituents: Alkaloids (berberine, coptisine).
Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy. Not for people with gastric inflammation.
Comments: Native to China and India, its shallow root system looks like a mass of gold threads, hence its folk name, Goldthread. This herb can be often be used interchangeably with Goldenseal.
The common name Coptis also includes the species Coptis japonica, Coptis laciniata, Coptis groenlancida, and Coptis occidentalis, which are used interchangeably with Coptis chinensis.