Herb: Three-Leaf Corydalis


Latin name: Corydalis ternata


Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)



Medicinal use of Three-Leaf Corydalis:

The tuber is anodyne and also stimulates energy and blood circulation. A decoction is used in the treatment of stomach ache and abdominal pain, hernia-caused pain, poor circulation of blood and energy, body aches, headache, dysmenorrhoea, post-partum pain due to clots and traumatic injury pain.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
15 cm
(6 inches)

Habitat of the herb:

Fields and low mountain slopes.

Propagation of Three-Leaf Corydalis:

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 after flowering.

Cultivation of the herb:

Fields and low mountain slopes.

Known hazards of Corydalis ternata:

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.