Witnessed by: TCM
Shrubby sophora (Sophora flavescens), of the Fabaceae family. Erect leguminous subshrub of dry open slopes; native range: sunny hillsides and grasslands across China. Globally recognized as ku shen (苦參) in Chinese, and shrubby sophora, ku shen, lightyellow sophora root in English. The part used is root. Long cylindrical yellow root with a wrinkled bark, intensely bitter, breaking with a fibrous fracture.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
SHRUBBY SOPHORA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- shrubby sophora
- Scientific name
- Sophora flavescens Aiton
- Family
- Fabaceae
Form
- Part used
- root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter
Temperature
- TCM
- cold
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Heart · Liver · Stomach · Large Intestine · Bladder
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- clears heat, dries dampness, kills parasites, stops itching and promotes urination
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid in spleen-stomach deficiency cold; classically incompatible with li lu (Veratrum)
- Toxicity
- very bitter and cold; large doses may injure the stomach and cause nausea
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