Corydalis(Corydalis DC.)
Of the 21 Corydalis species native to the US, C. aurea, C. flavula, and C. sempervirens are the most widespread. Due to its wonderful analgesis action, the non-native C. yanhusuo is widely used in herbal medicine.
Other Names:
Scrambled eggs, golden smoke, golden corydalis, yellow fumewort, yellow harlequin, fume-root, yellow fumitory, harlequin corydalis, pale corydalis, pink corydalis, rock harlequin
Range:
Family:
Papaveraceae - Poppy family
(Sub-Family: Fumariaceae - Fumitory Family)
Growth Type:
Herbaceous plant that is typically perennial,but some species are annuals.
Height:
The plant is often reclining, or trailing but some species are errect. The stems of most species can grow up to 3 feet long/tall
Leaves:
The pinnate leaves are often pale blue-green to blue-grey in color, and divided into leaflets with ovate to diamond shaped lobes.
Stem/Trunk:
Reaching approximately 15" long, the stems grow along the ground or another surface, with the extremity reaching upward. Like the leaves, the stems are often pale blue-green to blue-grey in color.
Root:
Branching caudex (a rootstock from which new growth sprouts)
Flower Season:
May to September
Flower Appearance:
While vrying in color from yellow to purple, the tubular flowers are bilaterally symmetrical. They are approximately 1 cm long, have 4 petals, and 6 stamen. They have a pouch-like spur at the bottom of the four petalsThe flowers are borne in racemes of up to 30 flowers, each on a short stem.
Seed/Fruit:
Long thin cylindrical seed pods containing shiny blacks seeds.
Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A
Habitat:
Poor soils of Sagebrush steppes and rocky outcrops
Parts Used:
Root/Rhizome
Culinary Uses:
None Known
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Medicinal Uses:
Corydalis has been used to treat Constipation, Cramps, Depression, Dyspepsia, Fibromyalgia, Hypertension, Neuropathy, Myalgia, Neuralgia, and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
Cautions According To WebMD
Possible Side Effects:
Use in smaller doses, as the plant can sometimes cause dependency. If too much is taken for too long, Corydalis may possibly cause tremmors and or muscle spasms. it is unsafe tot ake Corydalis when you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Possible Interactions:
None Known
Medicinal Actions:
Analgesic,
Anodyne,
Antispasmodic,
Spasmolytic
Herbal Preparations For Plant
Tincture
Part Used: Root/Rhizome
Plant State: Fresh
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:2
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Fill the jar to the neck with chopped fresh root/rhizome, then pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 250 ml of water. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 1-2 ml as needed
Tincture
Part Used: Root/Rhizome
Plant State: Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:5
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Place 150 grams of dried root/rhizome into a quart mason jar. Now pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 250 ml of water. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 1-2 ml as needed
