Huai Hua Mi
Styphnolobium japonicum
Synonyms: Macrotropis foetida, Sophora japonica var. pubescens, Ormosia esquirolii, Sophora japonica f. columnaris, Sophora japonica f. praecox, Styphnolobium japonicum var. pendulum, Styphnolobium japonicum f. pendulum, Radiusia chinensis, Sophora pubescens, Sophora sinica, Sophora japonica f. violacea, Sophora japonica f. pendula, Robinia mitis, Anagyris foetida, Sophora japonica var. violacea, Sophora pendula, Sophora japonica, Styphnolobium japonicum f. violaceum, Sophora mairei, Sophora japonica var. pendula, Styphnolobium japonicum f. oligophyllum, Sophora japonica var. vestita, Sophora korolkowii, Styphnolobium japonicum f. vestitum, Sophora sinensis, Anagyris chinensis, Anagyris sinensis, Sophora vestita, Sophora angustifoliola, Sophora vaniotii, Pongamia chinensis, Styphnolobium japonicum var. pubescens, Sophora japonica f. oligophylla
โฏ TCM Properties
Cools the Blood and stops bleeding; Cools the Liver
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Styphnolobium japonicum (formerly Sophora japonica) is a large deciduous tree reaching 15-25 m tall with a spreading rounded crown. Bark is grayish-brown with deep fissures. Leaves are pinnately compound, 15-30 cm long, with 9-15 oval leaflets 2-5 cm long. Creamy-white flowers are borne in large, pendulous panicles 15-30 cm long in late summer. Pods are constricted between seeds giving a beaded necklace appearance. The dried flower buds (Huai Hua Mi) and flowers (Huai Hua) are used in TCM.
Roadsides, parks, temple grounds, and cultivated landscapes; native to China and Korea, widely cultivated throughout temperate regions worldwide as an ornamental street tree.
Styphnolobium japonicum is widely cultivated worldwide and is abundant in cultivation. Native populations in China are stable. No conservation concerns.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Huai Hua Mi (sophora flower bud) is a bitter, slightly cold herb used primarily to cool the Blood and stop bleeding, with particular efficacy for hemorrhoidal and rectal bleeding from Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine. It also addresses hemoptysis, epistaxis, and uterine bleeding from Blood Heat. Its secondary action clearing Liver Heat is applied for red eyes, headache, and dizziness from Liver Fire or Liver Yang rising.
Chemistry & External Identifiers
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.