Product Details

Coptis

$30.95 CDN

One 250 mL (8½ fl oz) bottle

Coptis is traditionally used for purging and detoxification of the liver and stomach, which can aid digestion and help you sleep. During the liver/gallbladder flush, it is used to stimulate bile flow, thus making it easier to pass stones.

Ingredients: Coptis, Chinese Scutelleria Root

Area of Effect: Heart, Spleen, Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder, Large Intestine

Directions: 1 teaspoon (about 5 mL) to 1 tablespoon (about 15 mL) once daily on an empty stomach before bedtime.

The primary ingredient of Coptis is Huang Lian, also known as Rhizoma Coptidis or Goldthread. According to medical research, the active constituent of Huang Lian is berberines, which appear to have anti-hypertensive, inotropic, anti-arrhythmic, and anti-bacterial properties, as well as stimulating bile flow[1]. Like Long Dan Cao, Huang Lian is known in Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and toxin-purging properties, but its area of effect is the heart, large intestine, liver, and stomach[2]. It has also been used topically, for treating burns. Coptis should not be used by newborns, or by women during pregnancy or lactation. For the gallbladder flush, Coptis is used to stimulate bile flow, which helps flush out material.

The secondary ingredient of Coptis is Scutelleria, also known as Huang Qin or Baikal Skullcap. This herb is traditionally used to treat various types of infections, particularly upper respiratory tract infections. According to medical research, it is a potent anti-inflammatory. It also appears to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as antifungal activity. It also might have diuretic and antihypertensive properties[1]. Huang Qin is known in Chinese medicine as a "cooling" herb which purges toxins and is often combined with Coptis to treat fevers and toxicity[3].

Notes:

• Be warned that the taste of Coptis is extremely bitter (more so than other tinctures).
• Some users may experience harder than normal stools initially. This is normal and is caused by the increase in bile flow which improves digestion and intestinal wall lubrication, hence the stool moves faster and becomes "packed" at the end. To alleviate this initial reaction, it is helpful to wake up earlier than normal and drink 2 glasses of warm water, followed by low-intensity exercise (all before you eat your breakfast). This will help "activate" your intestinal movements and your kidneys.
• Avoid use when pregnant or lactating.

References:

1. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, Stockton California, 2009.
2. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica 3rd Edition, D Bensky & S Clavey & E Stöger, Eastland Press 2004, pp134-138.
3. Ibid, pp131-134.