Sophora japonica: beneficial properties and contraindications

Sophora is a plant frequently used in folk and traditional medicine. Decoctions, infusions, and alcohol extracts are prepared from it. The tree's fruits and buds, which possess a rich chemical composition, are used to make medicines. This chemical composition also explains its numerous therapeutic properties, including its ability to cleanse blood vessels and normalize blood flow.

Despite all its benefits, Japanese pagoda tree has not only beneficial properties but also contraindications. These are few, but important to be aware of to avoid harming your health. These include pregnancy and breastfeeding, early childhood, and the presence of arterial hypotension. When using pagoda tree, it is extremely important to adhere to the dosage, regardless of whether it was purchased pre-made or homemade.

Chemical composition and beneficial properties of Japanese pagoda tree

Sophora is a well-studied medicinal plant whose rich chemical composition has made it popular and widely used in medicine. The main components of the herb are:

1. Flavonoids. Sophora is rich in rutin, kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, and genistein. These substances have antispasmodic, sedative, and cardiotonic properties.
2. Alkaloids. Pachycarpine and matrine, found in Sophora, help relieve nervous tension and normalize sleep. The alkaloids have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Glycosides. These substances play a vital role in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. They strengthen blood vessel walls and increase their elasticity.

   

4. Vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is essential for strengthening the immune system and the proper functioning of the hematopoietic system. This component improves blood clotting and strengthens vascular walls.
5. Organic acids. These components have a complex effect on the human body. They have analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. They kill viruses and fungi, accelerating the healing process by accelerating cell regeneration.

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The composition is not very rich, but unique. Under the influence of medicines based on this plant, the following occurs:

• reducing glucose levels and normalizing overall metabolism in the body;
• cleansing blood vessels, breaking down and preventing the formation of cholesterol plaques;
• lowering blood pressure;
• hair strengthening;
• improvement of skin condition;
• reduction in the intensity of allergic reactions;
• improving blood supply to tissues, preventing oxygen starvation of cells, which is an effective prevention of stroke and heart attack;
• elimination of swelling of soft tissues and joints;
• preventing hair loss.

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Contraindications and harm of Sophora for the body

Any medications made from Sophora are contraindicated under certain conditions. Namely:

1. During pregnancy. The plant's constituents have the ability to increase uterine tone. In early pregnancy, this can lead to miscarriage, and in later pregnancy, to premature birth.
2. During lactation. Sophora inhibits breast milk production. Furthermore, the medication's components can enter the infant's body and cause serious disruption to internal organs.
3. Children under 14 years of age. Compared to many other herbs, Sophora has a rather strong, pronounced effect on the body.

   

4. Arterial hypotension. People with chronic hypotension are strictly contraindicated from taking medications containing Sophora extract. This also applies to patients with hypotonic neurocirculatory dystonia.
5. Individual intolerance to the plant's components. The use of Sophora-based medications by individuals with hypersensitivity to any of its components may trigger an allergic reaction. The severity and specific symptoms of this reaction depend on the individual's individual characteristics, dosage, and duration of treatment.

Taking infusions and decoctions based on Sophora rarely causes side effects. These occur primarily in people with an individual intolerance to the product. In this case, allergic reactions may occur, such as:

• cough;
• rhinitis;
• urticaria;
• cutaneous edema;
• dermatitis.

In patients who do not have problems with hypersensitivity to this drug, with its excessive consumption, side effects may occur:

• epigastric pain;
• nausea;
• dizziness;
• headache;
• vomiting;
• increased excitability;
• mood swings;
• depression and drowsiness.

Overdose can cause a significant drop in blood pressure. Regular use of high doses of the medication can cause nervous disorders and increase the risk of collapse.

Recipes and uses of the plant in alternative medicine

Sophora-based medicines are prepared in various ways. While they are equally beneficial, they may have slightly different indications and specific uses.

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Decoction

The plant's fruits or roots are used for preparation. The resulting medicine has a positive effect on the respiratory system in patients with colds. It also helps strengthen the immune system. It is used to treat tuberculosis, cancer, and jaundice.

Grind the Sophora berries or roots (or use ready-made medicinal herbs). Pour 1 tablespoon of the mixture into half a cup of boiling water, place in a water bath, and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Cool, strain, and top up with boiled water if necessary. Take 25 ml 3 times daily.

The decoction is also effective for sore throat – it can be drunk or used for gargling.

Infusion

The infusion is useful for poor blood clotting, accompanied by frequent bleeding. It is also effective for increased capillary fragility. There are several methods of preparation:

1. Grind 20 g of dried plant flowers to a powder, pour a glass of boiling water over it, and let steep, covered, for 2 hours. Strain and drink 15-30 ml 3 times daily after meals.
2. Brew 20 g of dried, crushed plant fruits in 250 ml of boiling water. Let it steep, covered, for 15 minutes, then strain thoroughly.

It is useful to wash your hair with it in case of hair loss or partial baldness.

Tincture

To prepare a homemade tincture, take equal parts of the plant's fruits and 56% alcohol. The mixture should be steeped in a glass container for three weeks, after which it should be thoroughly strained. The dosage depends on the intended use:

1. For hypertension: 25 ml three times a day for 1-1.5 months.
2. Prevention of stroke or heart attack: 10-15 ml three times daily after meals. The course of treatment is 14 to 21 days.
3. For the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, the tincture is recommended to be taken 30 drops 2-3 times daily. Continue treatment for 28 days, then take a 10-day break. After this, therapy can be resumed.

To do this, take 10-15 drops for three weeks. Three courses should be completed over the course of a year, with two to three months between each course.

Gadgets

To combat skin conditions, compresses are made with an alcohol tincture and aqueous extract of Sophora. They help with:

• eczema;
• dermatitis;
• sunburn;
• abscesses;
• bedsores;
• infected purulent wounds;
• varicose veins;
• psoriasis;
• trophic ulcers in diabetes mellitus;
• wounds;
• scaly lichen.

For the same purpose, a special pharmaceutical extract is used, which contains, in addition to sophora, glycerin, ethyl alcohol and water.

Soak a sterile gauze pad in the medicine and apply it to the affected areas of skin for 20-30 minutes. Repeat the procedure 1-2 times per day.

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Lotion

Sophora has rejuvenating properties, not only for the face but for the entire body. To tighten the skin, restore its natural glow, and make it look fresher and healthier, you can use this recipe for a sophora-based lotion.

Pour 1 cup of vodka over 100 grams of pagoda tree. Infuse in a dark place for 14 days, then strain. For oily skin, use the infusion neat.

Alcohol extracts

There are 2 recipes for alcohol extracts:

1. Fill a 0.5-liter saucepan halfway with red clover flowers. Add 50 g of crushed pagoda tree berries. Fill to the top with vodka and let sit for two weeks. After this time, strain the mixture and dilute it with boiled water to the original volume. Drink 5 ml diluted in half a glass of water in the morning before meals. Duration of therapy is 25-30 days.

   

2. Add 2 fresh pagoda berries to 10 ml of peony and eucalyptus tinctures, 100 ml of motherwort alcohol extract, and 25 g of mata water infusion. Next, add 4 crushed hawthorn berries and 15 g of cloves. Mix all ingredients with 25 ml of Corvalol. Dilute the resulting tincture with water in equal parts. Take morning and evening before meals or 2 hours after.

The second tincture is effective in combating heart pain.

In cosmetology

In home cosmetology, sophora is useful for treating hair loss, brittleness, split ends, aging skin, and fine wrinkles.

After just one use of the homemade sophora rinse, you will notice that your hair has become silky, shiny, and more manageable.

A decoction of the beans of this medicinal plant is used for cosmetic purposes. Add 10 sophora beans to 1 liter of water, boil for 10 minutes, cool slightly, and filter. Use as a hair rinse after each wash.

In oncology

Sophora is used to combat tumors, both benign and malignant. It has been proven to inhibit cancer cell division.

Some types of cancer can cause swelling, inflammation, and lumps in the body. Taking medicines made from this plant can help alleviate these unpleasant, distressing symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sophora is an undeniably unique and beneficial plant, highly valued in folk medicine. Medications containing it are generally very well tolerated by patients, but if taking the medication causes discomfort, it should not be continued without consulting a doctor.