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Yan Hu Suo延胡索

Corydalis Rhizoma · Corydalis Rhizome

Herbs that Invigorate the Blood 活血化瘀药《雷公炮炙论》

Overview

The reference analgesic of the materia medica: acrid, bitter and warm, it moves qi and blood together and is reached for wherever pain arises from stagnation — chest, epigastrium, abdomen, menses or injury. Vinegar-frying is the usual internal form and sharpens the pain-relieving action; wine-frying directs it upward toward chest and head pain, salt-frying downward toward hernial and lower abdominal pain, and plain dry-frying moderates its moving nature.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Warm

Channels

Heart · Liver · Spleen

Typical Dosage

3–10 g in decoction
延胡索Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Invigorates the blood, dispels stasisFixed, stabbing pain of the chest, flank, epigastrium or abdomen; bruising and swelling after traumatic injury.
  • Moves qi, relieves painDistending pain that shifts with mood and pressure; powdered and swallowed when the full analgesic effect is wanted.
  • Eases menstrual painDysmenorrhea and amenorrhea where blood stasis obstructs the uterine vessels.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Yan Hu Suo

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Chest, flank, epigastric and abdominal pain from stagnation
    - Dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea
    - Bruising and pain after traumatic injury
    - Headache and aching limbs of stasis type

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

DysmenorrheaAbdominal painTraumatic injuryChronic pain

Contraindications

Cautions

Warm and strongly moving: inappropriate where there is no stagnation. Because it invigorates blood, its use in bleeding disorders or alongside anticoagulant medication such as warfarin is a decision for the treating practitioner.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Avoid in pregnancy — it moves blood strongly, and the Pharmacopoeia flags it for caution.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    2. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
    3. 《中药学》 (national planning textbook).

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.