Bitter Sophora Seed, a Chinese herbal medicine, refers to the seeds or fruits of the legume plant Styphnolobium japonicum. Bitter Sophora Seed is highly toxic and is mainly used to treat poison-related pain, digestion problems, and parasites. It is also used to treat skin diseases such as scabies, eczema, and lichen, as well as abdominal pain and malnutrition in children.
【Description of Bitter Sophora Seed】
Bitter Sophora Seeds are dried seeds that are flat and slightly kidney-shaped. Seeds attached to both ends of the fruit are round on one side and flat on the other, while seeds located in the middle of the fruit are flat on both sides. They are about 4 cm long and 3 cm thick.
The surface is reddish-brown to dark brown with a glossy appearance, sometimes with a thin grayish-white film. The hilum is located in the middle waist depression. There are two cotyledons, which are thick and horny-like, easily longitudinally split. There are irregular protrusions around the hilum, causing the cotyledons to split unevenly.
It has a subtle aroma and a mild taste that gradually becomes numbing. Those with reddish-brown skin, large size, and no insect damage are preferred.
It is harvested after the fruits ripen in October. The fruit peel is removed, and the seeds are dried.
【Functions and Indications of Bitter Sophora Seed】
Bitter Sophora Seed has insecticidal, toxic-eliminating, and pain-relieving effects. It is used to treat skin diseases such as scabies, eczema, and lichen, as well as abdominal pain and malnutrition in children.
① "Compendium of Materia Medica": "Insecticidal, toxic-eliminating. Can be used topically to treat scabies, eczema, malnutrition, and lichen."
② "Folk Medicine in Guizhou": "Relieves depression, dispels wind evil, relieves pain."
【Usage and Dosage of Bitter Sophora Seed】
External use: Grind into powder and apply it topically. Internal use: Grind into powder or calcined powder, take 3-5 minutes; or grind and consume the juice.
【Does eating Bitter Sophora Seed cause poisoning?】
Bitter Sophora Seed is toxic, so internal use should be done with caution.
