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Corydalis (yan hu suo)

Corydalis yanhusuo · 延胡索

Herbs & Roots. Chinese Medicine.

Also called Yan hu suo, Yanhusuo, Corydalis tuber

Pinyin: Yán Hú Suǒ

Can cause drowsiness

A small tuber from a poppy-family plant, used in Chinese medicine to ease pain.

Did you know? Corydalis belongs to the poppy family, and its active compounds are related to some opium alkaloids, though it is not an opiate.

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

Pain & headaches. Lab and animal studies show pain relief from its alkaloids. Human trials are limited.
Traditional proof
Sleep. Its compound tetrahydropalmatine calms the nervous system in animal studies. Human proof is limited.
Traditional proof

Parts of the body

Nerves & pain, Brain & mind

Traditional use

Chinese medicine uses yan hu suo to move blood and qi and to stop pain, especially in the chest, belly, and during periods.

How it is classified

Herbal actions: Analgesic, Sedative, Circulatory. Energy: warming.
Chinese medicine: 延胡索 Invigorate blood. Nature: warm. Flavour: pungent, bitter. Enters the Heart, Liver and Spleen channels.

How people take it

Traditional decoctions often use about 3 to 9 grams. Extracts and capsules are sold, but their doses vary.

Decoction, powder, tincture and capsule.

Where to get it

Grown in China. Sold as dried tuber pieces, powder, and capsules. Some products combine it with other herbs for pain.

Be careful

May cause drowsiness, and it can add to sleepiness from sedatives, sleep aids, or alcohol. Avoid in pregnancy and while breastfeeding because its effects on a baby are not well known.

Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding.

Mixing with other things

Use caution
Sleep or anxiety medicine (Ambien, Xanax, Ativan)
May add to drowsiness from sedatives or sleep aids.
Use caution
Alcohol (beer, wine, spirits)
Alcohol adds to the drowsiness.

Adds up with others that can make you drowsy: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 14 more.

The honest take

Corydalis is used for pain in China, and its compounds are studied for pain and sleep. Most of the proof is from lab and animal work. Do not rely on it for ongoing pain without a clinician.