State/School

California License Exam, ESATM, NYTCM, Pacific College Comps, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Yo San University

Pharm Name

Coptidis Rhizoma

Common Name

Coptis Rhizome

Category

Clear Heat and Dry Dampness

Ingredients

Taste

Bitter

Pao Zhi

Temperature

Cold

Action / Indication

1. Clears heat and drains dampness: for damp-heat in the Stomach or Intestines with diarrhea or dysenteric disorder. Also for vomiting and/or acid regurgitation from Stomach heat. 
2. Drains fire and resolves fire toxicity: for heat with blazing fire with such symptoms as high fever, irritability, disorientation, delirium, red tongue, and a rapid and full pulse. Also for heat from excess with toxicity with such symptoms as painful red eyes and sore throat, and for boils, carbuncles, and abscesses.
3. Clears heat and stops bleeding: for nosebleed, or blood in the urine, stool, or vomit due to chaotic movement of hot blood.
4. Clears heat topically: used topically for red and painful eyes and ulcerations of the tongue and mouth.

Treatment Principles

Drains Heat from the Stomach
Clears Damp-Heat from the Intestines
Clears Heart Fire
Clears Heat and Stops Bleeding
Clears Heat Toxin

Contraindication

Yin deficiency, nausea or vomiting due to Stomach cold from deficiency, and diarrhea due to Spleen or Kidney deficiency. Allergies to this herb have been reported.

Dosages

1.5-9g. Use raw, wine-fried, or fried in ginger, evodia, or bile.

Meridians

HT, LI, LV, ST

Tom's Comment

1. Huang Lian is the marquee herb for clearing damp-heat in the intestine, often combined with Mu Xiang for this condition. This famous combination is labeld Xiang Lian Wan.
2. Huang Lian is also the marquee herb for clearing heart heat and fire.

Source

Formula Type