• Yan Hu Suo (Cu Chao), 1lb
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Yan Hu Suo (Cu Chao), 1lb

Yan Hu Suo (Cu Chao), 1lb

$37.37
$37.37
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Prepared Corydalis Rhizome (Cu Chao) is an herb that invigorates the blood and alleviates pain. Vinegar-frying enhances its ability to enter the liver channel and target pain from blood stasis.


Primary Actions and Uses

  • Invigorates the blood and promotes the movement of qi: For blood stasis and qi stagnation with pain in the chest, abdomen, or limbs.
  • Alleviates pain: Effective for menstrual cramps, traumatic injury, headaches, epigastric pain, and musculoskeletal pain due to blood stasis.

Processing Note – Cu Chao Method

  • The cu chao method involves stir-frying the herb with vinegar until dry.
  • Vinegar processing directs the herb more strongly to the liver channel and enhances its ability to move blood and relieve pain.
  • Compared to the unprocessed form, vinegar-fried Corydalis has a more pronounced analgesic effect and reduced dispersing tendency, making it more targeted for pain from stasis.

Context and Traditional Notes

  • Acrid, bitter, and warm; enters the Heart, Liver, and Spleen channels. Classified in TCM as an herb that invigorates the blood.
  • Often combined with other blood-invigorating and qi-moving herbs for stronger pain-relief formulas.
  • Can be used for a wide range of pain patterns when blood stasis and qi stagnation are contributing factors.

English Name: Rhizoma Corydalis Yanhusuo (Cu Chao) — Prepared Corydalis Rhizome (Vinegar-Fried); Prepared Corydalis Yanhusuo (Vinegar-Fried)
Unit Size: 1 pound
Potency: 1:1
Taste: Acrid, Bitter
Properties: Warm
Channels Entered: Heart, Liver, Spleen
Actions: Invigorates the blood; promotes the movement of qi; alleviates pain
Pattern: Blood stasis and qi stagnation with pain
Materia Medica: Invigorates the blood
Contraindications: Contraindicated during pregnancy and in cases without blood stasis

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