Corydalis

Corydalis yanhusuo

Corydalis Corydalis Rhizome Uses Considerations

Corydalis is a low-growing plant with narrow leaves and pink flowers that is native to northern China, Japan, and Siberia. This opium-poppy relative survives the harsh conditions of northeast Asia by storing most of its energy reserves in its hard, bright-yellow tuber. The root is unearthed in autumn, dried, and then sliced into cross sections for use in herbal medicine.

USES

Corydalis is hypnotic, sedative, and tranquilizing. This herb also is used to treat painful abdominal conditions.

Benefits of corydalis for specific health conditions include the following:

• Anxiety, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. The sedative qualities of corydalis make it useful in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Its alkaloids increase the sleep-inducing effect of barbiturates and are about 40 percent as effective as morphine in inducing sleep. American herbalists blend corydalis with California poppy to treat nervousness, insomnia, agitation, and anxiety.
• Cataracts. Alcohol extracts of corydalis slow the formation of cataracts associated with diabetes.

CONSIDERATIONS

For anxiety, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome, corydalis is best used blended with California poppy in a product such as Corydalis Formula from Spanda. In the treatment of cataracts, corydalis should be used under professional supervision only.

Corydalis should not be used during pregnancy. Continuous use of corydalis results in tolerance and may also lead to a cross-tolerance to morphine. Anyone who uses any type of a sleeping aid, especially a barbiturate, should be careful of the additive effects of sleeping pills and corydalis.