Yan Hu Suo - Corydalis Rhizome
TCM Materia Medica
Yan Hu Suo TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "yan hu suo" which in english is 
"corydalis rhizome", is categorized within the "herbs that invigorate blood" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart, liver, lung and stomach channels and exhibits acrid, bitter (ku) and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 4.5-12g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Invigorate blood, alleviate pain - pain from blood stasis and trauma, dysmenorrhea.
- Promotes movement of Qi and alleviates pain - chest pain, abdominal pain, menstrual pain, hernial disorders, epigastric pain.
Yan Hu Suo has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Avoid during Pregnancy.
Yan Hu Suo may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain - cramps), epigastric pain, hernia and/or trauma
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, yan hu suo is generally included in the following 8 formulas:
ViewGan Bing Zhi Ben Wan (Liver Disease Recovery Pills)
Irritibility or easily prone to outburts or anger. Liver disease such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver. Jaundice - yellowing of the skin, brittle nails, pale complexion.
ViewGe Xia Zhu Yu Wan (Drive Out Blood Stasis Below The Diaphragm Decoction)
For blood stasis below the diaphgram - abdominal masses, liver and spleen masses/swelling, colitis. A range of liver disorders are possibly applicable - cirrhosis, hepatic hemangioma, hepatitis, jau…
ViewShao Fu Zhu Yu Wan (Abdominal Stasis Relief Pills)
Qi and blood stagnation in the lower jiao - lower abdominal masses, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis. Fertility issues in both men and women with the right underlying signs - amenorrhea, dysme…
ViewShen Tong Zhu Yu Wan (Remove Stagnant Blood from a Painful Body Pills)
Qi and Blood stagnation blocking the channels and collaterals - pain in the extremities, shoulder pain, elbow pain, leg pain. With the right underlying patterns - possibly useful for fibromyalgia, c…
ViewShu Gan Wan (Liver Comfort Pills)
Abdominal and/or Hypochondriac pain, cramps or spasms resulting from liver qi stagnation. Alternating chills and fever. Nausea, bloating, acid reflux, alternating stools, or IBS like symptoms cause…
ViewXin Yi Wan (Magnolia Flower Powder)
Colds and/or allergies with cold signs (white mucus and/or no fever, etc.). Chronic sinus congestions / issues, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, loss of smell. Headaches from sinus congestion.
ViewYan Hu Suo Zhi Tong Wan (Corydalis Powder)
Pain of all types from qi and blood stagnation - often combined with other more systemic formulas based on the individual. Pain and inflammation from acute trauma, generalized aches and pains or mor…
ViewZuo Gu Shen Jing Tong Wan (Sciatica Pills)
Wind-cold-damp bi syndromes with particular issues in the lower back and legs - sciatic pain, heaviness in the lower body, hip and knee pain, arthritis in those areas (osteo or rheumatoid).
As noted above, yan hu suo is within the herbs that invigorate blood functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... for blood stasis - pain, abscesses and ulcers, abdominal masses. )".
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