Herbal Color Atlas-(2)

Author: Wang Yi / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The common name of Corydalis racemosa (Thunb.) Pers. is also known as water gentian, yellow fish rush, wild celery, or yellow poppy. It is derived from the entire plant of the Corydalis racemosa (Papaveraceae) plant.
Plant Morphology: It is an annual herb with a foul odor, growing to 10–60 cm tall. The roots are slender, and the stems are highly branched. The leaves have a triangular outline, 2–3 times compound pinnately divided, with 3–4 pairs of first-order segments and second- or third-order segments with an ovate or broadly ovate outline. The racemose inflorescence has lanceolate or bracts, with 2 ovate sepals. The flower corolla has 4 petals, yellow in color. There are 6 stamens, united into 2 bodies, and 1 pistil. The capsule is linear, and the seeds are black. It grows on walls, rock crevices, or in wet gullies. It is distributed in Guizhou, the Pearl River Basin, the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, southern Shaanxi, and southwestern Henan.
Main Chemical Components: The entire plant contains protopine and dl-tetrahydropalmatine.
Taste and Effect: Bitter and astringent, cold in nature. It is toxic.
Therapeutic Effects: Detoxification, insecticidal, heat-clearing, diuretic.
Clinical Applications:
① Treating psoriasis and stubborn rashes: Use an appropriate amount of Corydalis racemosa root, grind it with wine or vinegar, and apply externally.
② Treating sores and painful swelling: Use 15 g of fresh Corydalis racemosa herb, decoct it in water, and drink the decoction. Also, apply the juice of fresh leaves to the affected area.
③ Treating red, swollen, and painful eyes: Add a small amount of salt to the fresh Corydalis racemosa herb, mash it, close the affected eye, apply it externally, cover it, and rest for 2 hours.
④ Treating summer heat diarrhea: Use 30 g of fresh Corydalis racemosa herb, decoct it in water, and take it for several days.
⑤ Treating infantile convulsions: Use 30 g of fresh Corydalis racemosa, decoct it in water, and drink it.
Dosage: 9–15 g; double the dose for fresh herbs. Use an appropriate amount externally.
P4