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Ku Shen (苦參), the root of Sophora flavescens, clears damp-heat (especially of the lower burner and skin), relieves itching, kills parasites and promotes urination; widely used externally and internally for damp-heat skin disorders.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Sophora flavescens (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis)
Common English Name
Sophora root
Taste
Bitter
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Heart, Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine, Bladder
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and dries dampness (damp-heat diarrhoea, dysentery, jaundice)
- Clears damp-heat and relieves itching (skin, genitals)
- Promotes urination and kills parasites
Indications
Damp-heat dysentery and jaundice; damp-heat skin disorders with itching, weeping eczema and sores; foul vaginal discharge and genital itching; and hot, painful urination.
Dosage
4.5-9 g in decoction; external use as a wash.
Common Combinations
With Huang Bai and She Chuang Zi as a wash for damp-heat skin and genital itching.
Cautions & Contraindications
Very bitter and cold; avoid in Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold. Classically incompatible with Li Lu.
