Herbal Color Atlas 2

Author: Wang Yi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The alias of Dendrobium candidum is also known as water yellow root, yellow fish rush, wild water celery, and yellow violet. It is derived from the whole plant of Cotydalis racemosa (Thunb.) Pers., a plant in the poppy family. The plant 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 corolla has 4 petals, yellow; there are 6 stamens in 2 bundles, and 1 pistil. The capsule is linear, and the seeds are black. It grows on the base of walls, in rock crevices, or in wet gullies along mountain streams. It is distributed in Guizhou, the Pearl River Basin, the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, southern Shaanxi, and southwestern Henan. The main chemical components include protopine and dl-tetrahydrocorydaline in the whole plant.
Taste and Effect: Bitter and astringent, cold. Toxic.
Medicinal Effects: Detoxification, insecticidal, heat-clearing, diuretic.
Clinical Applications:
① Treating psoriasis and stubborn rashes: Use an appropriate amount of Cotydalis racemosa root, grind it with wine or vinegar, and apply externally.
② Treating sores and painful swelling: Boil 15 g of fresh Cotydalis racemosa in water and drink the decoction; also use fresh leaves to squeeze juice and apply to the affected area.
③ Treating red and painful eyes: Grind a small amount of salt with fresh Cotydalis racemosa and apply it to the closed affected eye, wrapping it up, and rest for 2 hours.
④ Treating summer heat diarrhea: Boil 30 g of fresh Cotydalis racemosa in water and drink it for several days.
⑤ Treating infantile convulsions: Boil 30 g of fresh Cotydalis racemosa in water and drink it.
Dosage: 9–15 g; double the amount for fresh herbs.
External use: Use an appropriate amount.
P4