[quote name='Common Response' timestamp='1262231966' post='776166']The herb is Rhizoma Coptidis.Thank you, coincidentally I'm located in the same city that you are, small world. Anyhow, I called a Chinese medicine ND to buy some Rhizoma Coptidis.The ND mentioned that the herb is sort of like golden seal but the one used in Chinese medicine that is from China is is way more potent. Apparently Rhizoma Coptidis is also it is known as, Golden thread or Huang Lian; "Known as a broad spectrum of antibiotic effects against Bacillus dysenteriae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella typhi, E. coli, Virbrio cholerae, BAcillus proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Diplococcus meningitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bordetella pertussis, Bacillus anthracis, and leptospira. The inhibitory effect is strongest against E. coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Use of Huang Lian or its components individually is commonly associated with resistance. On the other hand, the use of Huang Lian within an herbal formula reportedly enhances its antibiotic effectives over tenfold with little incidence of resistance. Berberine, one of the components of Huang Lian, is most effective for gastrointestinal infection, but not for systemic infection, since it has poor absorption by the intestines and a short half-life. In addition to is antibacterial effect, Huang Lian also has antifungal and antiviral activities. According to one report, a 15% decoction of Huang Lian is effective against numerous pathogenic fungi and dermatophytes. Lastly, Huang Lian has an inhibitory effect against influenza and hepatitis viruses." Anti-inflammatory: Oral administration of berberine has demonstrated a marked anti-inflammatory effect. Cardiovascular: Intravenous injection of berberine lowered blood pressure. The mechanism of blood pressure reduction is dilation of hte blood vessels and inhibition of secretion of the adrenal glands. Berberine also has antiarrhythmic actions. Cholagogic: Huang Lian and berberine act to increase production and decrease density of bile acid. Addicionally, they reduce the plasma level of cholesterols. Antiulcer: Huang Lian inhibits the secretion of gastric acid and is commonly used in conjunction with other herbs to treat peptic ulcers'.