Formula External formulas for External disorders

Ku Shen Tang

苦参汤

Also known as:

Sophora Root Wash

Formula Composition

Ku Shen
Ku Shen
She Chuang Zi
She Chuang Zi
Jin Yin Hua
Jin Yin Hua
Ju Hua
Ju Hua
Huang Bo
Huang Bo
Bai Zhi
Bai Zhi
Di Fu Zi
Di Fu Zi
Shi Chang Pu
Shi Chang Pu
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Dispels Wind
  2. Dries Dampness
  3. Kills parasites
  4. Relieves itching

Patterns Treated

Damp-Wind

Historical Origin

Collected Experiences on Treating Sores (1806 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ku Shen Tang

Main Actions

Dispels Wind
Dries Dampness
Kills parasites
Relieves itching

Key TCM Concepts

Ku Shen Tang is a 8-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Sophora Roots (Ku Shen) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1806 AD, it belongs to the category of external formulas for External disorders. Its main actions are: 1) dispels Wind and 2) dries Dampness.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Ku Shen Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Damp-Wind. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis or scabies for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Damp-Wind

Common Applications

Atopic dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis Scabies Lichen planus Leprosy Fungal infection

Ingredients in Ku Shen Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Ku Shen Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Ku Shen
Ku Shen

Sophora roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ku Shen Tang
Ku Shen disperses Wind, kills parasites and stops itching topically. It is effective in treating general itching or vaginitis due to trichomonas infection, together with Phellodendron bark and Cnidium Seed.
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She Chuang Zi
She Chuang Zi

Cnidium Seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Kidneys
Parts Used Seeds
Role in Ku Shen Tang
In general She Chuang Zi's main actions are as follows: "Applied topically it clears Damp-Heat on the skin and kills parasites. Tonifies Kidney Yang. Warms and dries Wind-Damp-Cold. "

In the context of Ku Shen Tang, it is used because it dries Dampness, kills parasites and stop itching when applied topically.
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Jin Yin Hua
Jin Yin Hua

Honeysuckle flowers

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried flower bud
Role in Ku Shen Tang
In general Jin Yin Hua's main actions are as follows: "Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Dispels Wind-Heat derived from an External pathogen. Expels Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner. Relieves Carbuncles."

In the context of Ku Shen Tang, it is used because it clears Toxic-Heat.
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Ju Hua
Ju Hua

Chrysanthemum flowers

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dried capitulum
Role in Ku Shen Tang
Ju Hua disperses Wind and clears Toxic-Heat. disperses Wind, kills parasites and stops itching topically. It is effective in treating general itching or vaginitis due to trichomonas infection, together with Phellodendron bark and Sophora root.
View herb details
Huang Bo
Huang Bo

Phellodendron bark

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys, Large Intestine
Parts Used Dried bark
Role in Ku Shen Tang
Huang Bo treats general itching or vaginitis due to trichomonas infection, together with Sophora root and Cnidium Seed. It clears Fire and relives Toxin.
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Bai Zhi
Bai Zhi

Angelica roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Ku Shen Tang
In general Bai Zhi's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Wind. Disperses Wind and Cold from the Yang Brightness channels. Relieves Wind-Damp Cold painful obstruction. Dries Dampness and pus and reduces swelling. Opens the nasal passages."

In the context of Ku Shen Tang, it is used because it reduces swelling, clears toxin and disperses pus.
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Di Fu Zi
Di Fu Zi

Kochia fruits

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys
Parts Used The seeds or fruits
Role in Ku Shen Tang
In general Di Fu Zi's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and dispels Damp-Heat. Drains Dampness and stop itching."

In the context of Ku Shen Tang, it is used because it expels Dampness and stop itching.
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Shi Chang Pu
Shi Chang Pu

Sweetflag rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Stomach, Heart, Liver
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Ku Shen Tang
Shi Chang Pu invigorates Blood, reduces swelling and relieves sores. It also relieves Painful Obstruction Syndrome due to Wind-Damp when used internally or topically.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ku Shen Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Ku Shen Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.