Sophora Root

고삼 (苦參) · Sophora flavescens Aiton

Heat-clearing, dampness-drying herb Cold Bitter Heart, Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine

NatureCold

TasteBitter

MeridiansHeart, Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine

Part usedRoot

FamilyFabaceae

CategoryHeat-clearing, dampness-drying herb

Find by concern: Itching Toothache Diarrhea

Overview

Sophora root's name says it all — "bitter root" — and the Donguibogam does not soften the point, warning that its taste is so extreme it causes vomiting if swallowed directly, and that those with a weak stomach must use it cautiously. Its old alternate name, "water pagoda tree," comes simply from leaves that closely resemble the pagoda tree (槐).

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性寒, 味苦, 無毒. 治熱毒風, 皮肌生瘡, 赤癩眉脫. 除大熱嗜睡, 明目止淚. 養肝膽氣. 除伏熱, 腸澼, 小便黃赤. 療齒痛及惡瘡, 下部䘌.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is cold, its taste bitter, and it is non-toxic. It treats heat-toxin wind, skin sores, and red scaling disease with loss of eyebrows. It removes great heat and drowsiness, brightens the eyes and stops tearing. It nourishes liver and gallbladder qi. It removes hidden heat, dysentery, and yellow-red urine. It treats toothache, malign sores, and lower-body parasitic sores.

Traditional functions

Clears heat-toxin wind
Dries dampness, stops itching
Kills parasites
Brightens the eyes

Traditional applications

Itchy, damp skin conditions
Toothache
Damp-heat dysentery
Malign sores

Traditional preparation

Small amounts in decoction, more commonly taken as pills; traditionally rice-water soaked and steamed before use.

Cautions

Caution: The classics warn its taste is so extreme it causes vomiting if taken directly, and that those with a weak stomach must use it cautiously — traditionally soaked in rice water and steamed before use. Cold in nature; not for cold-deficiency conditions. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Is sophora root really that bitter?

The Donguibogam says so directly — it warns the taste is so extreme that swallowing it plain causes vomiting, and recommends rice-water soaking and steaming before use.

Why was it once called "water pagoda tree"?

The Donguibogam explains its leaves closely resemble those of the pagoda tree (槐), giving rise to this old alternate name.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.