Herb latin name: Corydalis ambigua


Synonyms: 0


Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)



Medicinal use of Corydalis ambigua:

Alterative, antiperiodic, astringent, deobstruent, diuretic, emmenagogue, sedative, tonic. The root is analgesic, antispasmodic and sedative. The tuber has a history of over a thousand years use in mitigating pain. This species was ranked 10th in a test of 250 potential antifertility drugs.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
15 cm
(6 inches)

Habitat of the herb:

Woods and meadows from the lowland to the mountains of N. Japan.

Edible parts of Corydalis ambigua:

Root - cooked.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, the seed rapidly loses viability if it is allowed to become dry. Surface sow and keep moist, it usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°C. Germinates in spring according to another report. Two months warm, then a cold stratification improves the germination of stored seed. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings can be allowed to grow undisturbed in the pot for their first year. Apply liquid feed at intervals during their growing season to ensure they are well fed. The seedlings only produce one leaf in their first year of growth and are very prone to damping off. Divide the seedlings into individual pots once they have become dormant and grow them on in a partially shaded area of a greenhouse for at least another year. Plant them out into their permanent positions when they are dormant. Division in spring after flowering. Once the plants are dying down, dig up the clump and divide the tubers, planting them out straight into their permanent positions if required.

Cultivation of Corydalis ambigua:

Woods and meadows from the lowland to the mountains of N. Japan.

Known hazards of Corydalis ambigua:

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, there is a report that Corydalis species are potentially toxic in moderate doses.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.