Huái Huā (槐花) — Sophora Flower
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Huái Huā (槐花) is the dried flower of the Japanese pagoda tree, Styphnolobium japonicum (formerly Sophora japonica). The unopened flower buds are called Huái Mǐ (槐米) and are slightly stronger. It belongs to the category of Herbs that cool the Blood and stop bleeding in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the principal herbs used in Chinese herbal medicine for bleeding from Heat in the Lower Burner.
I prescribe Huái Huā as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Huái Huā |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 槐花 |
| Latin name | Styphnolobium japonicum (syn. Sophora japonica) |
| English name | Sophora flower / Pagoda tree flower |
| Nature | Slightly cold |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels entered | Liver, Large Intestine |
| Category | Herbs that cool the Blood and stop bleeding |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Cools the Blood and stops bleeding
- Clears Liver Heat and brightens the eyes
Indications
- Bleeding from Heat in the Lower Burner: bleeding haemorrhoids, blood in the stool (haematochezia), blood in the urine (haematuria)
- Excessive uterine bleeding from Heat in the Blood
- Coughing or vomiting of blood from Heat in the Blood
- Red eyes and headache from Liver Heat rising
4. Modern research
Sophora flower is a major commercial source of the flavonoid rutin, alongside quercetin, kaempferol and other flavonoids. Rutin and quercetin have well-documented capillary-stabilising, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and are commonly used to support venous and capillary health. Pharmacological studies report haemostatic, blood-pressure-lowering and antiplatelet effects, consistent with the traditional uses in haemorrhoidal and Lower-Burner bleeding. The unopened flower bud (Huái Mǐ) has the highest rutin content.
5. Cautions and contraindications
Use with caution in patients with cold-deficient Spleen patterns (poor digestion with cold, loose stools and no signs of heat), as the cold nature may aggravate the picture. Significant or unexplained bleeding always warrants prompt medical investigation; herbal medicine is an adjunct, not a replacement for proper diagnostic workup.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Huái Huā as part of tailored herbal formulas for bleeding haemorrhoids, occult blood in the stool from heat patterns, and adjunctive support in venous insufficiency. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
