Sophora Root Chinese Herb

Sophora Root (Ku Shen): A Bitter Herb for Clearing Heat and Drying Dampness

Introduction

Sophora root, known as Ku Shen (苦参) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is bitter and cold. It is valued for clearing heat, drying dampness, and killing parasites. Ku Shen is especially used for skin conditions, jaundice, dysentery, and itching. Its strong damp-clearing and detoxifying nature makes it important in treating both internal and external damp-heat disorders.

What Is Sophora Root?

Ku Shen comes from the dried root of Sophora flavescens, a leguminous plant native to East Asia. In TCM, it is classified as bitter and cold, entering the Bladder, Heart, Liver, Stomach, and Large Intestine meridians. Its qualities allow it to clear heat, dry dampness, and expel parasites both externally and internally.

Health Benefits of Sophora Root

Clears damp-heat – Effective for dysentery, jaundice, urinary difficulty, and vaginal discharge.

Relieves itching and kills parasites – Used externally for skin itching, eczema, scabies, and fungal infections.

Promotes urination – Helps with painful urination due to damp-heat in the bladder.

How to Use Sophora Root

Decoction – Combined with other herbs for damp-heat in the intestines, bladder, or skin.

External wash – Prepared as a wash for itching, eczema, or skin eruptions.

Powder – Ground for topical use in treating parasites or fungal infections.

Where to Buy Sophora Root

TCM shops/herbal suppliers – Commonly sold dried in sliced root form.

Online herbal retailers – Available as dried herb, powder, or capsules.

Look for: thick, brownish-yellow roots with a distinct bitter taste.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Ku Shen is cold and bitter, so excessive use may injure the Stomach or deplete qi. Avoid in cases of weak digestion or cold deficiency. Pregnant women should avoid unless directed by a practitioner.

Conclusion

Sophora root (Ku Shen) is a cold, bitter herb that clears damp-heat, relieves itching, and treats both digestive and skin conditions. Its strong detoxifying and antiparasitic effects make it a key remedy for damp-heat and parasitic disorders in TCM.

FAQ

Can it help with skin itching? – Yes, it is commonly used externally for itching, eczema, and fungal infections.

Does it support digestion? – It helps in cases of damp-heat dysentery but may harm weak digestion if overused.

Is it safe for daily use? – Not recommended long-term; use under guidance to avoid damaging qi or the stomach.