Latin Name: Corydalis formosa
Alternate Names: Turkey Corn, Dutchman’s Breeches, Golden Smoke, Yan Hu Suo (Chinese), Bleeding Heart
Family: PAPAVERACEAE
Parts Used: Rhizome.
Properties: Analgesic, Antispasmodic, Bitter Tonic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Sedative.
Internal Uses: Ataxia, Backache, Dysmenorrhea, Headache, Hysteria, Pain, Palsy, Parkinson’s Disease, Rheumatism, Tremors
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules. Powder added to food as medicine.
Although Corydalis is only 1/100th the strength of morphine, it is effective and non-addictive. It helps pain from traumatic injury. The tetrahydopalmatine alkaloid seems to block the nervous systems dopamine receptors. It is said to invigorate the blood in Chinese Medicine. Corydalis extracts have been shown to reduce tremors.
Topical Uses: Pain, Toothache
Topical Applications: Poultice or compress for pain, toothache.
Energetics: Pungent, Bitter, Warm.
Chemical Constituents: Alkaloids (bulbocapnine, corydaline, leonticine, protopine, tetrahydropalmatine).
Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy. Use in small amounts. Overdose can cause twitching and tics, rather than remedying them. Use of Corydalis may cause urine tests to indicate opiate use.
Comments: The plant is native to Siberia, Japan and northern China.
The common name Corydalis includes the species Corydalis cava, Corydalis soldida, Corydalis aurea, and Corydalis ambigua, which are used interchangeably with Corydalis formosa.