Rhizoma Coptidis

Rhizoma Coptidis

(Shaanxi Chinese herbal medicine)

[source] it is the root and stem bark of pseudoporcupine.

[plant morphology] pseudoporcupine

Evergreen shrub, 0.5-1.5 m high, stem erect, grayish yellow, angulate; spines 3-forked, 1-2.5 cm long. The leaves are tufted, thick leathery, hard, oblong lanceolate, 3.5-8 cm long and 1-2.5 cm wide, margin bristly serrate, midvein distinct. The flowers are yellow, with 5-15 clustered axillary spines; sepals are 6, with 2-3 bracteoles under them; petals are 6; stamens are 6, anthers are dehiscent; ovary is superior, 1-locular, with many ovules. Berry obovate oblong, red, powdered, with 2 seeds.

On the side of a ditch, river bank, or hillside. It is distributed in Shaanxi, Gansu, Hubei and Sichuan.

[collection] harvest in summer and autumn.

Bitter, cold.

Functions and indications: clearing away heat, eliminating inflammation, detumescence and relieving pain. Treatment of hepatitis, sore mouth and tongue, urine pain, burns.

[usage and dosage] oral: decoction, 3-5 yuan. External use: grind and apply.