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Sophora japonica – Medicinal properties, usage and storage

Sophora japonica is known as the “revenge” of high blood pressure. Moreover, this herb also provides cardiovascular support, anti-inflammatory effects, and aids in weight loss.

Sophora japonica is a miraculous natural medicine bestowed upon humans as it is easy to grow, harvest and has numerous uses. Have you heard a lot about Sophora japonica but still don’t understand this herb? Take a few minutes to watch AnCu Life’s shares below to understand it better.

Overview of flowers

Styphnolobium japonicum, also known as the Japanese pagoda tree, Chinese scholar tree, or pagoda tree, has the scientific name Sophora japonica. In many Vietnamese localities, it is considered one of the five plants symbolizing wealth and nobility.

Sophora japonica

The tree has beautiful white flowers and a wide canopy that provides shade, which makes it a popular ornamental plant. Besides its passionate beauty, the flower is also very beneficial for the circulatory system and promotes vein health. In particular, it is also one of the fifty basic herbs in traditional Chinese medicine.

The flower has a mildly bitter taste with a characteristic aroma. The unopened flower bud is commonly used as a medicine. Therefore, this herb is often harvested when the flowers have many large buds that have not yet bloomed, so the weight and quality of the medicinal herb will be higher.

Health benefits of sophora japonica

Sophora japonica contains a wide range of highly active plant compounds, including the flavonoids troxerutin and oxymatrine, which have potent antioxidant effects and provide perfect protection for the circulatory system.

Help treat hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a condition in which the blood vessels around the anus become swollen and inflamed. Sometimes, the lining of the blood vessels is stretched too much, causing the veins to protrude out of the anus, leading to discomfort when defecating and during daily activities. Topical creams and ointments are common treatments, but they usually only relieve symptoms and cannot cure the root cause.

Sophora japonica can effectively treat hemorrhoids by promoting vein health. This herb is believed to contain compounds that are beneficial for the walls of blood vessels, such as troxerutin, which has vascular protective properties, and oxymatrine, which helps reduce swelling caused by weakened blood vessels.

The effect of sophora japonica on heart health

Sophora japonica reduces the permeability of capillaries, increases the strength of capillary walls, and promotes healthy blood vessels, thereby promoting heart health. This herb also helps to maintain the stability of the heart rhythm and creates an environment that is unfavorable for blood clots to form.

The effect of sophora japonica on heart health

Regulating blood pressure

The flower buds contain up to 6-30% rutin, a glycoside compound belonging to the Flavonoid Aglycon group, a type of vitamin P that increases the endurance of capillaries, helping the vessel walls become more durable. When the body lacks this vitamin, the endurance of the capillaries decreases, making them easy to crack. Therefore, flower tea is often recommended to reduce blood pressure and prevent complications such as stroke, atherosclerosis, etc.

Support in the treatment of insomnia

The flower is cool and clears heat, so it has a sedative effect, helping you fall asleep easily. In fact, many people have used Sophora japonica tea to help them sleep, and most of them agree that this herb has the effect of inducing better and more peaceful sleep.

The flower is famous for its weight loss effect

Few people know that if combined with a scientific diet and a reasonable exercise regimen, Sophora japonica tea can help in weight loss. This herb can help remove fat in the blood, reduce toxins, control metabolism, and reduce the adhesion of fats in liver tissue.

The flower is famous for its weight loss effect

Support for the treatment of bleeding

The rutin present in the flowers with the ability to enhance the durability of capillaries will help stop bleeding effectively in cases of nosebleeds, bloody hemorrhoids, bloody stools, menorrhagia, hemorrhage, etc. Moreover, this herb also shortens the bleeding time.

Note when using

Like other herbs, although it brings many health benefits, when using it, you need to keep a few things in mind:

  • Because the flower is cold, if you have abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, anemia, you should avoid using it. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and young children should also avoid it.
  • Sophora japonica can help lower blood pressure quickly, so people with low blood pressure using it will easily get dizzy.
  • Do not abuse it because if used too much, it can lead to digestive diseases such as diarrhea.
  • Sophora japonica may interact with Western medicines and other herbs. Therefore, if you are taking medication, consult your doctor before taking it.

During the period of use, if you notice any unusual symptoms, you should stop using it immediately and seek other treatment methods.

Instructions for choosing, preserving and using flowers

Currently, you can easily buy the flowers at markets and supermarkets, but the quality and price also vary. Therefore, you should choose to buy from reputable places to get the best quality flower buds.

Instructions for choosing, preserving and using flowers

The flowers can be used to make tea, and the process is quite simple:

  • Add 10g to about 300ml of boiling water at 90-95 degrees Celsius in a specialized ceramic, ceramic, or glass drinking vessel.
  • After 5-7 minutes, the flower buds will gradually absorb the water, they will sink, settle down, and you can pour into a glass and enjoy. If the flower buds do not settle, it means the water is not boiling enough.
  • When brewing for the first time, the tea melts about 55%, the second time about 30%, and the third time about 10%. Therefore, each time you use it, you have to mix 3-4 times to take advantage of the full flavor.

Regarding preservation, Sophora japonica is prone to mold, so it should be stored in a dry place, away from humid areas like near the sink.

Overall, if you are looking for a heart tonic, Sophora japonica may be a good choice that you can consider. However, you should still consult your doctor before taking it because although most studies show this herb does not have many side effects, this still depends on the health of each person.

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