Yán Hú Suǒ (延胡索) — Corydalis Rhizome

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Yán Hú Suǒ (延胡索), also known as Yuán Hú, is the dried rhizome of Corydalis yanhusuo. It belongs to the category of Herbs that invigorate the Blood and is one of the most important analgesic herbs in Chinese herbal medicine, used for pain of virtually any origin in TCM — from menstrual cramps to chest, abdominal and traumatic pain.

I prescribe Yán Hú Suǒ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Invigorates the Blood and moves Qi
2. Relieves pain — one of the strongest TCM analgesic herbs

Indications

1. Painful periods and pre-menstrual abdominal pain with Blood and Qi stasis
2. Epigastric and abdominal pain from Qi/Blood stagnation, including peptic ulcer pain
3. Chest pain (used in angina-pectoris-type chest patterns within TCM)
4. Hypochondriac pain from Liver Qi stagnation
5. Pain from trauma, sprains, contusions and post-surgical pain
6. Headache from Blood stasis

4. Key formulas containing Yán Hú Suǒ

Yán Hú Suǒ appears in many pain-relieving formulas, often paired with Chuan Lian Zi (Jin Ling Zi San) for Qi-and-Blood stagnation pain, and combined with Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong and Tao Ren in gynaecological pain formulas.

5. Modern research

Corydalis yanhusuo contains a range of isoquinoline alkaloids including dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB), tetrahydropalmatine (THP), corydaline and tetrahydroberberine. THP has documented analgesic and sedative effects in animal and human studies, acting on dopamine receptors. DHCB has been identified in recent research as a selective dopamine D2 antagonist with non-opioid analgesic activity. Clinical evidence supports use in chronic pain, dysmenorrhoea, gastrointestinal pain and insomnia, with a low risk of tolerance compared with opioid analgesics.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in pregnancy. Use with caution alongside sedatives, antipsychotics and dopaminergic medication, as the alkaloids interact with central dopamine pathways. May potentiate the effects of alcohol and sedatives.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Yán Hú Suǒ as part of tailored herbal formulas for pain conditions including back pain, IBS-related abdominal pain, migraine, painful periods and trauma. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

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Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.