Herb

Huai jiao

Sophora fruit | 槐角

Also known as:

Huai Shi (槐实) , Huai Zi (槐子) , Huai Dou (槐豆)

Huai jiao

Product appearance may vary from images shown

Properties

Hemostatic herbs (止血药) · Cold

Traditionally supports*

Hemorrhoid Support Intestinal and rectal health Bleeding Disorders Liver Heat

Parts Used

Fruit (果 guǒ / 果实 guǒ shí)

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Select Product Type

Select Supplier

Select Size

Quantity

$24.00 ($0.42/g)
For shipments to: United States Change
Standard Shipping (3-5 business days): $4.99
Express Shipping (1-2 business days): $9.99
Free shipping on orders over $75

About This Herb

Traditional Chinese Medicine background and properties

Herb Description

Sophora fruit is a cooling herb best known for treating hemorrhoid bleeding and intestinal bleeding caused by excess heat. It clears heat from the Liver and Large Intestine, cools the blood to stop bleeding, and gently moistens the intestines. It is one of the most commonly used herbs in Chinese medicine for hemorrhoid-related conditions.

Herb Category

Hemostatic herbs (止血药) Herbs that cool the Blood and stop bleeding (凉血止血药)

Main Actions

  • Clears Heat and Drains Fire
  • Cools the Blood and Stops Bleeding
  • Clears Liver Heat
  • Moistens the Intestines and Unblocks the Bowels

How These Actions Work

'Clears Heat and drains Fire' means Huai Jiao removes excess heat from the body, particularly from the Liver and Large Intestine. This is relevant when heat accumulates in the lower body, leading to swollen, painful hemorrhoids, red eyes, headaches, or dizziness caused by rising Liver Fire. As described in classical sources, Huai Jiao is "a bitter, cold, purely Yin herb" that can "eliminate all heat, disperse all accumulation, and clear all fire."

'Cools the Blood and stops bleeding' refers to its ability to counteract heat in the blood that forces blood out of the vessels. When the Large Intestine is affected by heat, blood may appear in the stool (before or after a bowel movement), or hemorrhoids may bleed. This herb cools that pathological heat and helps the blood stay within its proper channels. It is particularly effective for bleeding in the lower body, including rectal bleeding, hemorrhoidal bleeding, uterine bleeding (崩漏), and bloody urine.

'Clears Liver Heat' means it drains excess fire from the Liver channel. The Liver opens into the eyes, so Liver Heat can cause red, painful, teary eyes, headaches, and dizziness. Huai Jiao enters the Liver channel and clears this heat, alleviating these symptoms. Classical commentary clarifies that the herb does not literally expel wind from the exterior; rather, "once the heat is removed, wind naturally subsides."

'Moistens the intestines' refers to the herb's texture, which is yin-nourishing and lubricating for the bowel. This is clinically useful because hemorrhoid patients often suffer from constipation, and dry stools worsen bleeding by irritating the affected tissue. Huai Jiao gently moistens the intestines, promoting smoother bowel movements without being a harsh purgative.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony that reveal what's out of balance in the body. Huai Jiao is traditionally associated with these specific patterns.

The following describes this herb's classification within Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and is provided for educational purposes only.

Why Huai Jiao addresses this pattern

When Damp-Heat accumulates in the Large Intestine, it damages the blood vessels of the lower digestive tract, forcing blood out and causing swelling and pain. Huai Jiao is bitter and cold, entering the Large Intestine channel directly to clear this accumulated heat. Its cold nature counteracts the fire that damages the intestinal vessels, while its bitter taste drains dampness downward and out. It simultaneously cools the blood to stop bleeding and gently moistens the intestine to prevent the dry, hard stools that aggravate this condition. This makes it particularly well-suited for hemorrhoidal bleeding and bloody stools arising from Large Intestine heat.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids with bleeding, swelling, and pain

Bloody Stool

Bright red blood in stool, before or after bowel movement

Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse with heat signs

Constipation

Constipation with dry, difficult stools

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Bitter (苦 kǔ)

Channels Entered
Liver Large Intestine
Parts Used

Fruit (果 guǒ / 果实 guǒ shí)

This is partial information on the herb's TCM properties. More detailed information is available on the herb's dedicated page

Product Details

Manufacturing, supplier, and product specifications

Product Type

Granules

Quantity Description

Loading quantity information...

Concentration Ratio

Loading concentration information...

Fabrication Method

Loading fabrication information...

Supplier Certifications

Loading certifications information...

Botanical & Sourcing

Quality Indicators

Good quality Huai Jiao pods are plump, full, and well-formed in the characteristic rosary-bead (lian zhu) chain shape. The surface should be yellowish-green in color (not dark brown or blackish, which indicates age or deterioration). The texture should be supple and moist (rou run), not overly dry, brittle, or shriveled. When broken at a constriction point, the cross-section flesh should be yellowish-green with a sticky, semi-translucent quality. The seeds inside should be intact, kidney-shaped, shiny brownish-black with a smooth surface. The aroma is faint, the taste mildly bitter, and chewing the seeds gives a bean-like smell. Avoid pods that are empty, insect-damaged, moldy, overly darkened, or have an oily or sugar-like smell (signs of spoilage). The Chinese Pharmacopoeia requires a minimum sophoricoside content of 4.0%.

Primary Growing Regions

Huai Jiao is produced across much of China, with primary commercial production concentrated in Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Liaoning provinces. The Chinese scholar tree (Sophora japonica) is native to northern China and has been cultivated there for millennia. It adapts well to temperate climates with sandy loam soils. While there is no single strongly defined dao di (terroir) region for Huai Jiao, material from the northern provinces of Hebei and Shandong is generally considered high quality. The tree is also widely cultivated as an urban street tree throughout China, as well as in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

Harvesting Season

Winter (November to December), when the fruits are fully mature. The ripe pods are collected, stems and debris removed, then dried.

Supplier Information

Treasure of the East

Loading supplier information...

Loading supplier attributes...

Miscellaneous Info

No additional information available

Usage & Safety

How to use this herb and important safety information

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This herb is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

Recommended Dosage

Loading dosage information...

Instructions for safe storage and consumption

Loading storage and consumption information...

Traditional Dosage Reference

Standard

6-9g

Maximum

Up to 15g in decoction under practitioner supervision. Do not exceed 15g without professional guidance due to risk of gastrointestinal distress at higher doses.

Notes

The standard dosage of 6-9g applies to most conditions. For hemorrhoid bleeding and intestinal wind with Blood in the stool, the standard 6-9g range in decoction is generally sufficient. Some traditional sources allow up to 15g when used in decoction for more severe bleeding conditions. The raw (unprocessed) form has the strongest Heat-clearing and Blood-cooling effect. Honey-processed Huai Jiao (Mi Huai Jiao) is preferred when the patient also has constipation, as it moderates the bitter-cold nature and adds a gentle laxative effect. Charred Huai Jiao (Huai Jiao Tan) has reduced cold nature and stronger astringent hemostatic action, making it better suited for stopping active bleeding. Huai Jiao can also be prepared as pills or powders per classical formulas, or the young pods can be juiced for topical application on burns.

Processing Methods

Processing method

The cleaned Huai Jiao is stir-fried over low heat until puffed up, then sprayed with diluted honey (5 kg refined honey per 100 kg of herb) and stir-fried until the surface is shiny and no longer sticky to the touch. Allowed to cool before use.

How it changes properties

Honey processing moderates the bitter, cold nature of the raw herb, reducing its potential to damage the Spleen and Stomach. The honey adds a moistening, lubricating quality that enhances the herb's ability to moisten the intestines and relieve constipation. The heat-clearing action is somewhat reduced, but the hemostatic effect is preserved.

When to use this form

Preferred for hemorrhoidal bleeding in patients with weak digestion (Spleen-Stomach deficiency) or when constipation is a prominent complaint. The honey form protects the digestive system while still addressing the bleeding and heat.

Toxicity Classification

Non-toxic

While the Chinese Pharmacopoeia classifies Huai Jiao as non-toxic at standard oral decoction doses, pharmacological studies have identified compounds with potential toxicity at high doses or via injection. The seeds contain hemagglutinins (lectins) that can agglutinate red blood cells of rabbits, pigs, and humans, and seed/pod extracts injected subcutaneously into laboratory animals caused red blood cell destruction and, at high doses, death in frogs, lizards, and mice. The toxic alkaloids include cytisine and sophoramine, found primarily in the seeds. However, these toxic effects are observed at concentrations far above typical oral medicinal doses and primarily via injection routes. At standard decoction dosage (6-9g), toxicity is very low. Proper processing (especially honey-roasting or charring) further reduces any concern. Excessive intake (above 30g) may cause gastrointestinal distress including nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Prolonged high-dose use should be avoided.

Contraindications

Avoid

Pregnancy. Huai Jiao is bitter and cold with a strong downward-directing action. Classical texts explicitly warn against its use in pregnant women. The Ben Jing Feng Yuan states that pregnant women should not take it. It may stimulate uterine contractions and carries a traditional reputation for causing miscarriage (the classical term 'duo tai' or 堕胎 appears in association with this herb).

Caution

Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold with loose stools or poor appetite. As a bitter, cold herb, Huai Jiao can further damage Spleen Yang and worsen diarrhea. The Ben Cao Jing Shu warns that patients with deficiency-cold constitutions and Spleen-Stomach diarrhea should not use it.

Caution

Yin-deficiency Blood Heat that is not true excess Heat. The Ben Cao Jing Shu specifically warns that when external symptoms resemble excess Heat but the internal cause is Yin deficiency, this herb is not appropriate, as its bitter-cold nature may further deplete Yin fluids.

Caution

Concurrent use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Huai Jiao contains rutin and other flavonoids that may affect coagulation and vascular permeability, potentially enhancing bleeding risk when combined with blood-thinning drugs.

Caution

Pre-surgical patients. Due to the herb's potential effects on platelet function and vascular permeability through its flavonoid content, it should be discontinued at least one to two weeks before planned surgery.

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Contraindicated in pregnancy. Multiple classical sources explicitly prohibit its use during pregnancy. The Ben Jing Feng Yuan states 'pregnant women should not take it' (孕妇勿服). The Ben Cao Bei Yao lists 'duo tai' (堕胎, causing miscarriage) among its traditional actions, indicating a recognized abortifacient potential. Its strongly bitter, cold nature can injure the Spleen and Stomach Yang that is essential for supporting pregnancy, and it may stimulate uterine contractions. This herb should be strictly avoided throughout pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Caution advised during breastfeeding. While there is no specific classical prohibition for nursing mothers, the strongly bitter and cold nature of Huai Jiao raises concerns. Bitter-cold substances may affect the quality or composition of breast milk and could cause digestive discomfort (loose stools) in sensitive infants. The Tongrentang guidelines for Huai Jiao Wan (Sophora Fruit Pill) advise that breastfeeding women should use caution and consult a practitioner. Use only under professional guidance if clinically necessary, and monitor the infant for any signs of gastrointestinal upset.

Pediatric Use

Not well studied in children. Given its bitter-cold nature and potential to impair the Spleen and Stomach, which are considered particularly delicate in children, cautious use is warranted. The Tongrentang guidelines for Huai Jiao Wan recommend that children under three should use it with caution, and all children should take it only under adult supervision and practitioner guidance. Dosages should be reduced proportionally according to body weight and age. It is not typically a first-choice herb for pediatric prescriptions.

Drug Interactions

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (e.g. warfarin, heparin, aspirin, clopidogrel): Huai Jiao is rich in rutin and quercetin, which have demonstrated effects on vascular permeability and platelet aggregation. Animal studies have shown that rutin can affect warfarin pharmacokinetics. Concurrent use may increase the risk of bleeding. If combined, closer monitoring of coagulation parameters (INR) is advised.

Antihypertensive medications: Pharmacological studies indicate that Sophora japonica extracts have mild blood-pressure-lowering effects. Concurrent use with antihypertensive drugs may potentially enhance hypotensive effects, requiring blood pressure monitoring.

Blood-glucose-altering drugs: Animal studies have shown that Huai Jiao extracts can temporarily raise blood glucose in rabbits. Patients on diabetic medications should be aware of this potential interaction, though clinical significance in humans is uncertain.

Dietary Advice

Avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods while taking Huai Jiao, as these can generate Heat in the intestines and counteract the herb's cooling action. Alcohol and tobacco should also be avoided. Since Huai Jiao is bitter and cold and may stress the Spleen and Stomach, it is helpful to eat easily digestible, warm-natured foods (such as congee or cooked vegetables) to support digestion during treatment. Keeping the bowels moving smoothly is important, especially when treating hemorrhoids. Avoid excessively cold or raw foods if there are any signs of Spleen weakness.

Cautions & Warnings

Although this herb is typically safe for most individuals, it may cause side effects in some people. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, postpartum women, and those with liver disease should use the formula with caution.

As with any Chinese herbal remedy, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner before beginning treatment.