The Scholar Tree

Sophora fruit original: 槐實 (huáishí) grows in the level marshes of Henan a province in central China, historically considered the cradle of Chinese civilization, and is now found everywhere. The tree itself grows exceptionally tall and large. According to the Erya the oldest surviving Chinese dictionary and encyclopedia, dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE, there are several species of the Scholar Tree.

Those with large, dark leaves are named the Huai Scholar Tree original: 懷槐 (huáihuái). Those whose leaves close during the day and open at night are named the Palace-Guarding Scholar Tree original: 守宮槐 (shǒugōnghuái). Those with fine, green leaves are simply called the Scholar Tree original: 槐 (huái).

In the fourth and fifth months of the traditional lunar calendar, the tree blossoms. It bears fruit in the sixth and seventh months. In the tenth month, the mature fruits are harvested for use in medicine. The bark and roots can be gathered at any time.

Its flavor is bitter, sour, and salty; its nature is cold and non-toxic. It is primarily used to treat "evil qi" original: 邪氣 (xiéqì); pathogenic factors or harmful influences in traditional medicine and heat within the five internal organs. It stops excessive salivation, mends severe injuries, and treats the five types of hemorrhoids five types of hemorrhoids: a classical medical categorization including various presentations such as bleeding, swelling, or protruding types and burns from fire. It is also used for women’s breast masses and acute pain in the uterus.

The branches are primarily used for washing sores and treating dampness and itching of the scrotum. The bark treats festering sores, and the roots treat throat obstructions throat obstruction: a condition, often called houbi, characterized by a swollen or blocked throat and alternating chills and fever.