Yan Hu Suo
Corydalis yanhusuo
Family: Papaveraceae
What it is like
Corydalis yanhusuo is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Not known
E. Asia - China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 3
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. It is used especially to relieve menstrual cramps, chest and abdominal pains. The plant contains powerful alkaloids that are responsible for this effect. The root is analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic and sedative. It has traditionally been used to lower pain and strengthen the circulation. It is used in the treatment of a wide range of ailments including lumbago, dysmenorrhoea, hernia, chest pains, insomnia and traumatic injuries. The root is harvested in late spring or early summer, once the top growth has died down, and is dried for later use. Various extracts from the plant have shown antitussive, cardiotonic, hypotensive and anticancer activity.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Cardiotonic: A tonic for the heart.
Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
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. Grows well in a woodland garden or peat bed. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, the seed rapidly loses viability if it is allowed to become dry. Surface sow and keep moist, it usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. Germinates in spring according to another report. Two months warm, then a cold stratification improves the germination of stored seed. 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 and are very prone to damping off. 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, there is a report that Corydalis species are potentially toxic in moderate doses.