Huang Lian

Coptis chinensis

Physical Characteristics

Coptis chinensis is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from February to March, and the seeds ripen from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anaesthetic Analgesic Antibacterial Antidote Antipyretic Antispasmodic Bitter Blood tonic Carminative Cholagogue Digestive Dysentery Sedative Skin Stomachic Tonic Vasodilator Huang Lian is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218]. The root is a pungent, very bitter, cooling herb that controls bacterial and viral infections, relaxes spasms, lowers fevers and stimulates the circulation[238]. It is one of the most frequently used herbs in prescriptions for the treatment of diabetes mellitus[218]. The root is analgesic, locally anaesthetic, antibacterial, antidote, antipyretic, bitter, blood tonic, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, sedative, stomachic, tonic and vasodilator[46, 61, 147, 176]. It is particularly helpful in the treatment of diarrhoea, acute enteritis and dysentery, whilst it is also used in the treatment of insomnia, fidget, delirium due to high fever, leukaemia and otitis media[176]. Externally it is used to treat various skin problems such as acne, boils, abscesses and burns whilst it is also used as a gargle for mouth and tongue ulcers, swollen gums and toothache[254]. As an eyewash it is used to treat conjunctivitis[254]. The root is harvested in the autumn and used fresh or dried[238].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been found for this species, it belongs to a family that contains many species that are mildly toxic and so it is wise to treat this plant with some caution.