Ku Shen Root … Classic Formulas
Ku Shen · Radix Sophorae Flavescentis
Primary Actions
- Clears heat and dries damp ... Ku Shen is a classic root for damp-heat dysentery, diarrhea, jaundice, leukorrhea, and lower-body heat with irritation.
- Kills parasites and relieves itching ... it is one of the core herbs for eczema, scabies, genital itching, and damp-toxic skin disease, often as a wash or topical decoction.
- Promotes urination and resolves toxic swelling ... especially when lower-burner heat and dampness combine with swelling, sores, or inflammatory lesions.
Classic Formulas
- Ku Shen Tang and topical Ku Shen washes ... classic itch, scabies, and damp-heat skin strategy.
- Lower-burner pairings with Huang Bai, Bai Xian Pi, or Di Fu Zi ... eczema, leukorrhea, and genital itching logic.
- Intestinal damp-heat formulas with Huang Lian, Bai Tou Weng, or Qin Pi ... dysenteric heat and toxic diarrhea use patterns.
Classical Text References
- Traditional herbology consistently presents Ku Shen as a bitter cold root that clears damp-heat above all else.
- Its internal and external use profiles overlap strongly around dampness, heat, toxin, and itching rather than around tonification.