Huanglian

Dried rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch. , Coptis deltoidea C.Y. Cheng et Hsiao or Coptis teeta Wall. (Fam.  Ranunculaceae)

Bitter, cold; Heart, Spleed, Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder, Large intestine

Herb that clears heat and removes dampness, purges fire and eliminates toxin

Stuffiness and fullness in the chest and abodomen, vomiting and acid regurgitation, dysentery jaundice, high fever accompanied by clouding of consciousness, fidgets and insomnia, spitting of blood and epistaxis caused by blood heat, bloodshot eyes, toothache, wasting-thirst, carbuncles and sores; eczema and other skin diseases with exudation, pus from the ears, in addition, used for bacillary dysentery, acute gastroenteritis, chronic cholecystitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, respiratory infection, and diphtheria.

It is forbidden to give to patients with cold and deficiency in the spleen and stomach., and use with caution in those with yin deficiency and impairment of fluids.

It contains variety of alkaloids, etc.