Sophora root (ku shen)

Sophora flavescens

Traditionally attributed effects: drains damp heat in itchy skin, discharge and dysentery; externally as a wash.

Safety notes

Not with a cold, weak spleen and stomach. Contains toxic alkaloids (matrine): not in high doses or for long periods. Do not combine with Veratrum. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Root. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that cool heat and dry dampness'. Ku shen, 'bitter ginseng', dries damp and heat in itchy skin, eczema and discharge and is used in washes. It contains matrine, which is being studied as a medicine in China.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: bitter, cold
Meridians: heart, liver, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, bladder

Attributed effects

For damp heat with discharge, jaundice, dysentery and boils, itching from wind in eczema and genital itching, cystitis and ringworm. Mainly as a wash or sitz bath.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 3–12 g a day, usually in a decoction.

Combinations

As a wash with di gu pi, zi cao, she chuang zi and alum for genital itching and fungal infections
With she chuang zi and dan shen for weeping eczema

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction
Formulas: Xiao feng san

Sources

All herbs from Asia →