Vietnamese Sophora Root … Classic Formulas
Shan Dou Gen · Radix Sophorae Tonkinensis
Primary Actions
- Clears heat and resolves toxin ... Shan Dou Gen is a classic herb for severe swollen sore throat, fire-toxin in the throat, and hot painful oral inflammation.
- Benefits the throat and reduces swelling ... it is chosen when redness, pain, and difficult swallowing show a strong toxic-heat pattern.
- Drains toxic fire from the Lung and Stomach territory ... traditional use extends to hot gum, mouth, and upper-respiratory inflammatory presentations.
Classic Formulas
- Shan Dou Gen Wan ... classic sore-throat and heat-toxin formula logic.
- Qing Liang San style pairings with Lian Qiao, Jie Geng, or other throat-relieving herbs ... when wind-heat and toxin overlap.
- Yin-deficiency throat-fire modifications with Xuan Shen and Mai Men Dong ... used when swelling and pain coexist with dryness.
Classical Text References
- Traditional herbology describes Shan Dou Gen as bitter, cold, and toxic, entering the Lung and Stomach to clear heat, resolve toxin, benefit the throat, and reduce swelling.
- Its bean-like odor and extremely bitter taste are repeatedly noted in materia medica discussions, underscoring both potency and narrowness of use.