Corydalis yanhusuo
| Corydalis yanhusuo | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Corydalis yanhusuo (common name: yan hu suo)
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, the seed rapidly loses viability if it is allowed to become dry[1]. Surface sow and keep moist, it usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[2]. Germinates in spring according to another report[1]. Two months warm, then a cold stratification improves the germination of stored seed[3][2]. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings can be allowed to grow undisturbed in the pot for their first year. Apply liquid feed at intervals during their growing season to ensure they are well fed. The seedlings only produce one leaf in their first year of growth[4] and are very prone to damping off[1]. Divide the seedlings into individual pots once they have become dormant and grow them on in a partially shaded area of a greenhouse for at least another year. Plant them out into their permanent positions when they are dormant.
Division after flowering.
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Prefers a moist, well-drained rather light soil, thriving in semi-shade[5]. Grows well in a woodland garden or peat bed.
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[6].
Range: E. Asia - China.
Medicinal: Yan Hu Suo is an important Chinese remedy that has been used for hundreds of years to help 'invigorate the blood' and relieve almost any painful condition[7]. It is used especially to relieve menstrual cramps, chest and abdominal pains[7]. The plant contains powerful alkaloids that are responsible for this effect[7].
The root is analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic and sedative[8][9]. It has traditionally been used to lower pain and strengthen the circulation[9]. It is used in the treatment of a wide range of ailments including lumbago, dysmenorrhoea, hernia, chest pains, insomnia and traumatic injuries[8][9]. The root is harvested in late spring or early summer, once the top growth has died down, and is dried for later use[7].
Various extracts from the plant have shown antitussive, cardiotonic, hypotensive and anticancer activity[9].
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, there is a report that Corydalis species are potentially toxic in moderate doses[10].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Alpine Garden Society. Alpine Garden Society Bulletin Volume 56. Alpine Garden Society.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bird, Alfred. Growing from Seed Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan, 1990.
- ↑ Rice, Graham. Growing from Seed Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan, 1988.
- ↑ Bird, Alfred. Focus on Plants Volume 5. Thompson and Morgan, 1991.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Yeung, Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, 1985.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ Foster, Steven and Billy Tatum. Medicinal Plants of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin, 1990.