TCM: Listed under “Herbs that clear Heat”, in “Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness”, Coptis chinensis, rhizome (huang lian) enters the Heart, Large Intestine, Liver and Stomach channels. Bitter and cold, it clears Heat and drains Fire, clears Heat and stops bleeding and clears Heat topically. It dries Damp and resolves toxicity.
General: Coptis rhizome is used orally in formulas to treat fever and acute infectious diseases (e.g. dysentery, furunculosis, abscesses) as well as various stomach disorders including vomiting and abdominal pain, halitosis, gastric reflux and belching. It also treats mouth ulcers, eczema, burns, bleeding nose, fidgetiness and insomnia.
It has been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-amoebic actions.
Coptis chinensis contains berberine, coptisene, pamatine, worenine, magnoflorine etc.