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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. |
