Corydalis

Scientific Names

• Corydalis cava L.
• Fumitory family

Common Names

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Parts Usually Used

Rootstock
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Corydalis is a perennial plant; the erect stem grows 6-12 inches high and bears soft, bluish-green, pinnately decompound and incised leaves. In April and May it is topped by a raceme of purple-red or rose-colored, sometimes white, flowers with corollas spurred at the base.
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Where Found

Found in the deciduous forests, thickets and hedges of Europe.
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Medicinal Properties

Antispasmodic, hypnotic
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Uses

The high alkaloid content makes corydalis an effective remedy, when properly used, for palsy, trembling hands, and general excitement. One of the alkaloids in corydalis works on the nervous system and is used as an ingredient in medications used for Parkinson’s disease. In ancient times, corydalis was used to expel worms.
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Warning

Do not use corydalis without medical supervision.
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Bibliography

The Herb Book, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.

Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000

Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. WI 53181., Copyright 1988, published 1992

Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, Shambala Publications, Inc., Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973

Webster’s New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, New World Dictionaries: A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023

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