Yan Hu Suo, also known as Corydalis Rhizoma or Corydalis Tuber, is a bitter, acrid, and warm herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to invigorate the blood, move Qi, and relieve various types of pain. It is one of the most effective analgesic herbs in the TCM materia medica and is frequently used in both acute and chronic pain conditions involving Qi stagnation or blood stasis.
Functions & Benefits
Moves Qi & Invigorates Blood
Yan Hu Suo is a primary herb for moving Qi and blood to treat pain caused by stagnation. It is useful in a wide range of disorders including epigastric pain, abdominal pain, chest pain, and menstrual cramps. It helps to break the cycle of stagnation and discomfort.
Relieves Pain in Various Systems
This herb is one of the most versatile natural pain relievers in TCM. It is used for headaches, dysmenorrhea, trauma, joint pain, and chest tightness. It is especially helpful for sharp, stabbing, or fixed pain due to stasis, or cramping and distending pain from Qi constraint.
Treats Gynecological Disorders
Yan Hu Suo is widely used in gynecology to treat painful menstruation, delayed menstruation, or blood clots in the menstrual flow caused by Qi and blood stagnation. It is often combined with warming or blood-tonifying herbs depending on the clinical presentation.
Supports Pain Management in Trauma
Due to its strong analgesic effects, Yan Hu Suo is used in formulas for pain due to trauma, bruises, or post-surgical recovery. It enhances circulation and promotes healing of soft tissues while alleviating pain and swelling.
Indications
Menstrual pain, irregular periods, or clotted flow due to stagnation
Epigastric, chest, or abdominal pain from constrained Qi or blood
Traumatic injury with bruising, swelling, or post-operative pain
Joint or limb pain from blood stasis or Qi stagnation
Painful conditions worsened by stress or emotional upset
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Dark or purplish tongue body with possible stasis spots
Pulse: Wiry or choppy, indicating Qi or blood stagnation
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Yan Hu Suo
Yan Hu Suo treats Qi Stagnation with Pain, Blood Stasis, and Qi and Blood Constraint affecting the Liver, chest, abdomen, or uterus. These patterns are often marked by fixed, stabbing, or distending pain.
Precautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy due to its strong blood-invigorating effects
Use cautiously in cases of significant Qi Deficiency without stagnation
Not suitable for pain caused by deficiency alone without stagnation
Avoid long-term use in patients with weak digestion or cold constitutions
Conclusion
Yan Hu Suo is a powerful and widely applicable herb for pain relief in TCM. It moves Qi, invigorates blood, and effectively treats both acute and chronic pain associated with stagnation. Its use in gynecology, trauma, and internal medicine makes it an indispensable tool for managing diverse types of pain without causing stagnation or toxicity.
