Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis) is a well-known herb, often referenced in the saying, “A mute eats Huang Lian, unable to express the bitterness.” Huang Lian is the rhizome of the perennial herbaceous plant from the family Ranunculaceae, also known as Chuan Lian, Wang Lian, Zhi Lian, Wei Lian, Ya Lian, Yun Lian, Ye Lian, Tu Huang Lian, Emei Lian, Feng Wei Lian, and Ji Zhua Huang Lian. It is harvested in autumn and can be used raw or after being processed with ginger or wine. The primary functions of Huang Lian include clearing heat and detoxifying, drying dampness and clearing heat, cooling blood, and relieving sore throat, as well as clearing heart fire. Let’s explore the efficacy and uses of Huang Lian, along with its dietary contraindications!
The Efficacy and Uses of Huang Lian
1. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory
Huang Lian exhibits excellent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It is effective for patients with fever due to inflammation. Huang Lian clears heat and detoxifies, making it suitable for those with spleen deficiency. It also shows good results for diarrhea caused by bacteria and fungi.
2. Blood Sugar and Lipid Reduction
Recent clinical studies have found that berberine, a compound in Huang Lian, has significant blood sugar and lipid-lowering effects. Boiling Huang Lian in water can help reduce blood sugar levels. When using pure Huang Lian, it can be taken orally along with a balanced diet.
3. Regulating the Spleen and Stomach
Huang Lian has anti-ulcer properties and can effectively reduce gastric acid secretion. It is beneficial for protecting the gastric mucosa, alleviating fire, and reducing inflammation.
4. Clearing Heat and Draining Fire
As a traditional Chinese medicine, Huang Lian is helpful for toothaches, bitter mouth, and bad breath caused by internal heat. It can also improve constipation and yellow tongue coating, which are symptoms of internal heat. Huang Lian is widely used for draining fire, with common preparations including Shuang Huang Lian oral liquid.
5. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory
Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Huang Lian contains a significant amount of berberine, which has a notable inhibitory effect on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is a broad-spectrum antibacterial herb that can be used for bacterial dysentery and other bacterial infections, showing significant efficacy.
6. Liver Protection and Bile Duct Benefits
Huang Lian has liver-protective and bile duct-benefiting effects, helping hepatitis patients lower transaminase activity and providing auxiliary benefits for many liver disease patients.
Dietary Contraindications for Huang Lian
1. Contraindicated Populations
i. Those with yin deficiency and heat, stomach deficiency with nausea, spleen deficiency with diarrhea, or morning diarrhea should avoid it.
ii. Individuals with cold in the intestines or febrile diseases, yin deficiency with bleeding, or spleen damage with blood not returning should not use it.
2. Other Contraindications
i. Huang Lian can harm the spleen and stomach.
Huang Lian is a very cold herb, and its use can damage the spleen. Those with weak spleens and stomachs may experience diarrhea and other adverse symptoms, affecting appetite and leading to digestive discomfort, which is detrimental to health. Therefore, it should be avoided unless there is internal heat.
ii. Huang Lian is bitter, dry, and cold.
As a bitter and cold herb, Huang Lian is least suitable for those with yin deficiency and fluid damage, as it can exacerbate symptoms such as dry mouth, bitter taste, and weakness.
iii. Huang Lian should not be used long-term.
As a traditional medicine, Huang Lian has certain toxicity and should not be used for extended periods. It is best taken after meals, with a typical dosage of 2-3 grams per day. In more severe cases, 5-6 grams may be used, but not exceeding 6 grams. Children, whose spleen and stomach functions are not fully developed, should not take Huang Lian.
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