Wall.
Family: Papaveraceae.
Habitat: The West Himalayas, from Kashmir to Kumaon.
Ayurvedic: Bhootakeshi (a doubtful substitute for Bhootajataa, Nardostachys jatamansi DC.) Species of Selinum are also used as Bhootakeshi.
Action: Sedative, spasmolytic, hypotensive, nervine, antiseptic. Used in cutaneous and scrofulous affections, chronic fever and liver complaints.
The roots contain phthalide iso- quinoline alkaloids. In addition, stems and leaves contain tetrahydroproto- berberines.A related species, C. solida, indigenous to Siberia, northern China and Japan, contains alkaloids including corydalmine, tetrahydropalmatine, protoberberine-type alkaloid lenticin. The alkaloids are analgesic and sedative and have been shown to work, at least in part, by blocking the dopamine receptors in the central nervous system.The powdered rhizome of Corydalis possesses one-hundredth of the analgesic potency of morphine.
Corydalis tea was used for centuries in ancient Chinese medicine as a pain reliever. But this tea has also various other health benefits.
More on Corydalis tea
Native to the northern parts of China, Japan, Eastern Russia and Eastern Africa, Corydalis is a perennial plant that usually grows in shade along the edges of woodlands. It possesses pink flowers and finely-divided thin leaves and yellow tubers. It is closely related to the opium poppy family.
Its medicinal properties largely lie in the roots or rhizomes. Corydalis is used either as a decoction, tincture, extract or tea for its analgesic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, sedative, tranquilizing, anti-cancer, hypotensive and cardiotonic qualities.
It contains more than 20 potent alkaloids that include tetrahydropalmatine, dehydrocorydaline, protopine and cordalines.
Though its effects are somewhat similar to that given by the opium poppy, corydalis tea is said to be non-addictive. Its taste can be bitter so you might want to drink it along with some sweeteners.
Corydalis herb is typically mixed with other herbs by Chinese herbal practitioners. They use it in a variety of ways, for example with peony and licorice to fight spastic pain, or with pteropus and bulrush for treating abdominal and menstrual pain.
Corydalis tea brew
Corydalis tea can be made by placing a handful of the dried roots in a pot of boiling water and allowing it to steep for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then let it simmer for a further 5 minutes before drinking it. Alternatively, an infusion can be made using the powdered form of the roots. Simply immerse the powdered corydalis roots in newly-boiled water for about 5 to 7 minutes.
Corydalis tea benefits
Here are some of the health benefits of Corydalis tea.
It lowers blood pressure, eases heart rate and reinforces the circulation system.
Being a pain reliever, Corydalis tea can ease chest and abdominal pains, fight pain in the lumbar region and help relieve menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea.
It can cure anxiety, restlessness, sleeplessness and edginess.
Corydalis tea may help fight stomach ulcers as it may help decrease gastric secretions.
Corydalis tea may be helpful in fighting cough and allergies.
Corydalis tea side effects
Corydalis tea has some precautions that should be considered before taking it.
Corydalis tea should always be used under the supervision of a health care provider. The tea is not for the use of children, pregnant or nursing women, liver or kidney disease. People taking sleeping pills, depressants and alcohol should avoid it, as the effects of such a combination have not yet been fully established.
Corydalis tea can be included in a healthy life style, but first consult with your physician and do not drink too much of it.... corydalis tea
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