Chinese Goldthread

Ten species of low, moisture-loving perennials belong to this genus, distributed throughout northern temperate regions. A few are grown in rock gardens or in peat beds for their anemone-like flowers. The common name "goldthread" describes the fine, yellow roots that grow near the surface. Goldthreads contain alkaloids, notable berberine (as found n Berberis vulgaris, See, barberry, and Hydrastis canadensis, See, goldenseal). Coptis chinensis was first mentioned in Chinese medical texts c.CE200. It has similar uses to C. japonica and C. teeta, with which it is sometimes adulterated. Other useful species include the N American C. groenlandica (goldthread, canker root, mouth root) and C. trifolia (Indian goldthread). The latter was a standard remedy among many N American tribes for mouth ulcers and was listed as a treatment for mouth and eye inflammations in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (1820-82), and the U.S. National Formulary (1916-36). Coptis trifolia has also been used to flavor and color root beer made from Sassafras (See, sassafras) and Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus, see, Irish Moss).

Rhizomatous, delicate perennial with long-stalked, tripartite, finely divided leaves. Clusters of 3-4 yellow-white flowers appear in spring, consisting of 5-8 sepals to 1cm (3/8in) long, and nectar-secreting petals half the size of the sepals.


Common Name:
Chinese Goldthread
Other Names:
Mishmi Bitter
Botanical Name:
Coptis chinensis
Genus:
Coptis
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Native Location:
China
Cultivation:
Moist to wet, rich, slightly acid soil in shade.
Propagation:
By seed sown when ripe; by division in spring.
Harvest:
Roots are lifted in autumn and used fresh or dried in decoctions.
Height:
25cm (10in)
Width:
15cm (6in)
Hardiness:
Z7-10
Parts Used:
Roots (huang lian)
Properties:
A pungent, very bitter, cooling herb that controls bacterial and viral infections, relaxes spasms, lowers fever, and stimulates the circulation. It is locally analgesic and anesthetic.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for "hot" conditions, such as dysentery, enteritis, high fever, inflamed mouth and tongue, conjunctivitis, middle ear infection, tuberculosis, and palpitations. Externally for inflamed mucous membranes in mouth and eyes, boils, abscesses, acne, and burns. An ingredient of the Chinese drug san huang zhe she ye ("injection of three yellow herbs"), given intra-muscularly for upper respiratory tract infections. For use by qualified practitioners only.
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 179