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Hollowroot

Corydalis cava

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Ranunculales
Family:
Papaveraceae (Poppy)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, roadsides, rocky places, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Variable in colour, 4 petals
 
Flowers may be red, purple or white. They appear in loose spikes and the flowers look similar to those of fumitories. Pollinated by bees.
Fruit:
The fruit is an achene.
Leaves:
A garden escape species with anemone-like leaves.
Other Names:
Holewort, Rock Corydalis, Rock Harlequin.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Corydalis cava, also known as rock harlequin or rock corydalis, is a perennial herb native to rocky and gravelly habitats in Europe and Asia. It has delicate, blue-purple flowers and fern-like leaves. The plant has been traditionally used in Chinese and European medicine for a variety of purposes, including as a pain reliever and sedative. However, research on the medicinal properties of Corydalis cava is limited and more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

Blog

Hollowroot, also known as Corydalis cava, is a small herbaceous plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. It belongs to the family Papaveraceae and is commonly found in woodlands, hedgerows, and shady places.

Appearance

Hollowroot grows up to a height of 15-30 cm and has finely divided leaves that are fern-like in appearance. The plant produces a single stem that bears a cluster of pink or purple flowers with yellow tips. The flowers bloom in early spring, from March to May, and are about 1-2 cm long. The plant also has a tuberous root system that grows horizontally and is hollow at the center, hence the name "Hollowroot."

Uses

Hollowroot has been used in traditional medicine for its analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant contains several alkaloids, including corydine, corydaline, and protopine, which are believed to be responsible for its medicinal properties. The root and aerial parts of the plant are used to make teas, tinctures, and extracts that are used to treat a variety of ailments, including migraines, nerve pain, menstrual cramps, and anxiety.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Hollowroot is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping. Its delicate foliage and attractive flowers make it a popular choice for shade gardens and woodland areas.

Cultivation

Hollowroot is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and maintain. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. The plant can be propagated by division of the tubers or by sowing seeds in the fall. Hollowroot is also a self-seeding plant, and once established, it can spread quickly.

Precautions

While Hollowroot has many medicinal uses, it should be used with caution as it contains several alkaloids that can be toxic in large doses. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid using Hollowroot, and it should not be used by people with liver or kidney disease.

Hollowroot, or Corydalis cava, is a small herbaceous plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. The plant is easy to grow and maintain and is a popular choice for shade gardens and woodland areas. However, as with all medicinal plants, caution should be exercised when using Hollowroot, and it should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

More Information about Hollowroot

Hollowroot, or Corydalis cava, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. Some of the ailments that Hollowroot is believed to treat include nerve pain, migraines, anxiety, depression, and menstrual cramps. The alkaloids in Hollowroot are thought to have analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties, which may explain its effectiveness in treating these conditions.

Hollowroot is also known for its sedative properties and is often used to help induce sleep. It is believed to work by increasing the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep and anxiety.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Hollowroot is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its properties in promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. The root of the plant is often used in herbal formulas for its ability to alleviate pain caused by stagnant blood.

Hollowroot is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and maintain. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. The plant is also known for its ability to self-seed and spread quickly, making it a popular choice for naturalizing in woodland areas and other shady places.

While Hollowroot has many potential health benefits, it should be used with caution as it does contain alkaloids that can be toxic in large doses. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid using Hollowroot, and it should not be used by people with liver or kidney disease.

In conclusion, Hollowroot, or Corydalis cava, is a versatile plant that has many potential health benefits. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties, and is also a popular choice for shade gardens and naturalizing in woodland areas. However, as with all medicinal plants, it should be used with caution and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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