Kǔ Shēn (苦参) — Sophora flavescens Root
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1. Overview
Kǔ Shēn (苦参) — the root of Sophora flavescens — is a bitter, cold Chinese herb that clears Damp-Heat, kills parasites and relieves itching. It is used internally for Damp-Heat dysentery, jaundice and urinary infection, and topically for eczema, psoriasis, scabies, fungal infections, vaginal Damp-Heat and pruritus. Its alkaloid matrine has substantial modern pharmacological literature for its anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic and dermatological applications.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Kǔ Shēn |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 苦参 |
| Latin name | Radix Sophorae Flavescentis |
| English name | Sophora flavescens root |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine, Bladder |
| Category | Clear Heat, dry Damp |
| Dosage | 3–10 g, decocted; topical washes 15–30 g |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and dries Damp — for Damp-Heat dysentery, jaundice, leukorrhoea with Damp-Heat and urinary infection.
- Kills parasites and relieves itching — topical use in eczema, psoriasis, fungal infection, scabies, trichomoniasis. Often decocted as a sitz bath or wash.
- Promotes urination — for difficult urination with Damp-Heat.
4. Key formulas
- Ku Shen Tang — topical wash for Damp-Heat skin conditions.
- Often combined with She Chuang Zi, Bai Xian Pi and Di Fu Zi in pruritic formulas.
- Modern matrine and oxymatrine injections are used in Chinese hospitals for hepatitis support and dermatology.
5. Cautions
Bitter and very cold — injures Stomach Qi and Yang. Contraindicated in patients with Spleen Yang deficiency, cold-pattern diarrhoea or weak digestion. Antagonised by Li Lu. Contraindicated in pregnancy.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Ku Shen primarily as part of granule formulas and topical washes for Damp-Heat skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and vaginal pruritus. Online Chinese herbal consultations are available. See prices for costs.
