Sophora flavescens

Native to China and Japan, is an important herb in Chinese Materia Medica, the dried root, known as Ku-Shen, having a history of use for over 2000 years, to treat an impressive wide array of disorders

The root (Ku-Shen) is harvested and dried in the autumn of at least its third season outdoors or beyond this at any time when the plant is dormant. Traditionally used for "damp heat" conditions, the dried root has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties as well as being anti-inflammatory. It has been used to treat hepatitis B and C and to help repair damaged livers. It is also effective against dysentery, jaundice, eczema, ulcers and Trichomoniasis.

A decoction of the root or an extract made with vinegar, can be applied as a topical wash to treat skin infections, inflammation, and allergic reactions.

Growing 5 to 7 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide this slow growing deciduous perennial is, in cooler zones, considered an herbaceous perennial as it will die back to the ground over the winter, whereas in warmer climes, it grows as a woody subshrub. Long arching racemes of beautiful cream-coloured flowers give way to clusters of very slender bean-like seedpods 3-6” in length. The seeds are mature and ready to harvest once the pods start to brown in colour.

The plant prefers well-drained moist soil, a sunny, warm position and needs protection from snow, ice, and strong winds. It improves poor soils as is a nitrogen fixer and will stabilize loose, sloping ground.

The seed is best sown when it is fresh, or stored seed can be scarified, and soaked for 12 hours in warm water before sowing in late winter/early spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they’re large enough to handle, and, as they tend to be slow to establish, grow under protected conditions until strong enough to plant outdoors in the late spring/early summer of their third season.

Overall Sophora flavescens’ root has amazing healing properties and is gaining wider recognition outside of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with mounting research out there to support its traditional uses.

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