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Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers Huang Lian to have a bitter taste, cold nature, and it enters the Heart, Spleen, Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder, and Large Intestine meridians. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as damp-heat obstruction, vomiting with sour regurgitation, diarrhea with jaundice, high fever with delirium, excessive Heart fire, irritability and insomnia, blood heat with vomiting or nosebleeds, red eyes, toothache, and carbuncles. It is also effective for external use in treating eczema, oral ulcers, and otitis media.
Huang Lian can relieve pain and has a calming effect on irritability, making it a very popular traditional Chinese medicine.
Efficacy and Functions
1. Clearing Heat and Reducing Fire
Huang Lian is a very bitter and cold medicinal herb, highly effective for clearing heat and detoxifying, especially for symptoms caused by excess heat such as toothache, bitter mouth, and halitosis, along with symptoms like flushed face, dry and hard stools, and yellow tongue coating, which can often be resolved with Huang Lian.
2. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory
Huang Lian contains a significant amount of berberine, which has inhibitory effects on common bacteria such as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, Huang Lian is considered a broad-spectrum antibacterial herb, and it can be used in daily life to treat diseases caused by bacteria, such as dysentery.
3. Liver Protection and Gallbladder Benefits
Huang Lian can also promote liver health, protect the liver, and benefit the gallbladder. It can help hepatitis patients reduce the activity of transaminases and has therapeutic effects.
Precautions for Use
Huang Lian is very bitter and cold; excessive or prolonged use can harm the Spleen and Stomach, leading to diarrhea and affecting the digestive function, which can impact appetite and cause indigestion. It should be used cautiously unless there is excess heat in the body.
Huang Lian has heat-clearing and detoxifying properties and can inhibit E. coli and other bacteria. It can be taken as a decoction, but it is not suitable for individuals with Spleen and Stomach deficiency and cold, as its bitterness and dryness can injure fluids. Those with Yin deficiency and fluid damage should also use it cautiously, as it is a bitter and cold substance.
Generally, it is not advisable to take it for prolonged periods; it is best taken after meals. The dosage for mild conditions is 2-3 grams per day, and for severe conditions, 5-6 grams per day. Children with underdeveloped Spleen and Stomach functions should not take Huang Lian indiscriminately.
Huang Lian Medicinal Dishes
Huang Lian, Ejiao, and Egg Yolk Soup
Ingredients: Prepare two egg yolks, 12 grams of Huang Lian, 3 grams of Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis), 9 grams of Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), and 3 grams of Bai Shao (White Peony).
Method: First, boil Huang Lian, Huang Qin, and Bai Shao with 8 cups of water, reduce to 3 cups, strain, then add Ejiao to dissolve, and finally mix in the egg yolks.
Efficacy: Taking Huang Lian, Ejiao, and Egg Yolk Soup can clear heat and nourish Yin. It is suitable for conditions where heat evil enters the nutrient level, injuring the nutrient Yin and heart fluids, with persistent fever, irritability, inability to sleep, red and dry tongue, and thin rapid pulse.
Huang Lian and Mu Xiang Stewed Pig Intestines
Ingredients: Prepare 5 grams of Huang Lian, 10 grams of Mu Xiang (Aucklandia lappa), 50 grams of pig intestines, 3 slices of ginger, and an appropriate amount of garlic and starch.
Method: Grind Huang Lian and Mu Xiang into a fine powder; clean the pig intestines. Stuff the powdered herbs into the pig intestines, tie both ends with toothpicks or thread, place in a steamer, and add 250 ml of cold boiled water, then stew for 2.5 hours.
Efficacy: This dish is very suitable for those with Qi stagnation, abdominal distension, and pain, and can also assist in the treatment of colon cancer.
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