Yun Lian

Coptis teeta

Physical Characteristics

Coptis teeta is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 6in). It is in leaf all year. 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 soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - N. China to the temperate regions of the Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit[177]. No more details are given but some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Anaesthetic Analgesic Antibacterial Antispasmodic Dysentery Febrifuge Ophthalmic Pectoral 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 locally analgesic and anaesthetic[238] and is used in Chinese medicine as a general panacea with alterative, ophthalmic and pectoral activity[178]. The root contains several compounds that are effective in inhibiting various bacteria and they are a safe and effective treatment for many ailments, such as some forms of dysentery, that are caused by bacteria[218]. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be 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.