Huai Jiao
Sophora japonica L. (syn. Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott)
☯ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and Drains Fire; Cools the Blood and Stops Bleeding; Clears Liver Heat; Moistens the Intestines and Unblocks the Bowels
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Styphnolobium japonicum (syn. Sophora japonica), the Japanese pagoda tree or Huai, is a deciduous tree in the Fabaceae family, native to China and Korea and widely planted as a street and ornamental tree across temperate regions. It reaches 10-25 m with a broad rounded crown and dark gray, fissured bark. Pinnately compound leaves bear 7-17 ovate-lanceolate leaflets 2-6 cm long, with a pale glaucous undersurface. Creamy yellow-white pea-shaped flowers are borne in large terminal panicles 15-30 cm long in mid to late summer. Huai Jiao is the dried mature legume pod, indehiscent, constricted between seeds like beads.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Huai Jiao (sophora fruit, pagoda tree fruit) is a cold, bitter herb with a primary affinity for the Large Intestine channel, where it cools Blood Heat and stops bleeding. It is used for hemorrhoidal bleeding, rectal bleeding from Damp-Heat, and other Large Intestine bleeding conditions from blood Heat. It also clears Liver Fire for red, painful eyes, headache, and dizziness. As the fruit of the same tree that yields Huai Hua Mi (sophora flower bud), it shares similar channel affinities but has a stronger, more astringent action.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.