Coptis root (Huanglian)-Coptis chinensis Franch.

Coptis root (Huanglian)

Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Coptidis

Botanical Name: 1. Coptis chinensis Franch. C.; 2. Coptis diltoidea C. Y. Cheng et Hsiao; 3. Coptis teetoides C. Y. Cheng

Common Name: Coptis root

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: Five to seven year old roots, or rhizomes, are dug and gathered in autumn and dried for use, or fried with ginger juice.

Properties & Taste: Bitter and cold.

Meridians: Heart, liver, stomach and large intestine

Functions: 1. To clear heat and dry dampness; 2. To reduce fire and dispel toxins

Indications & Combinations:

1. Damp-heat syndromes: a) damp-heat blocking the middle jiao manifested as a full sensation in the epigastric region and vomitingCoptis root (Huanglian) is used with Scutellaria root (Huangqin), Pinellia tuber (Banxia) and Dried ginger (Ganjiang); b) damp-heat accumulated in the intestines manifested as diarrhea or dysenteryCoptis root (Huanglian) is used with Scutellaria root (Huangqin) and Pueraria root (Gegen); if the resulting manifestation is tenesmus, Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Costus root (Muxiang) in the formula Xiang Lian Wan.

2. Liver fire attacking the stomach manifested as vomiting. Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Evodia fruit (Wuzhuyu). If it is heat in the stomach which causes vomiting, Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Bamboo shavings (Zhuru).

3. Febrile diseases manifested as high fever, irritability, loss of consciousness and delirium. Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Gypsum (Shigao) and Capejasmine (Zhizi).

4. Boils, carbuncles and furuncles. Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Scutellaria root (Huangqin), Honeysuckle flower (Jinyinhua), Forsythia fruit (Lianqiao) and Capejasmine (Zhizi).

5. Excessive fire in the stomach. If the manifestation is hunger after consuming sufficient food, Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) and Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen). If the manifestation is a toothache, Coptis root (Huanglian) is used with Cimicifuga rhizome (Shengma) and Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang).

Dosage: 2-10 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should be used with caution; large dosages may weaken the stomach.