Bencao yuanshi (Origins of Materia Medica) by Li Zhongli is a herbal in 12 volumes, containing 379 illustrations. It was first published in 1612. This illustration of Sophora flavescens (kushen) is taken from the revised edition of Ge Ding, engraved in 1638 (11th year of the Chongwen reign period of the Ming dynasty, Wu Yi year).
Li Zhongli writes: The root of Sophora flavescens is rounded in shape, 5-6 cun (1 cun [Chinese inch] = c. 3 cm) in length, and tapering towards both ends. The outer skin is yellowish; in section it is a pale whitish shade. The root is gathered in the tenth lunar month. It is bitter in sapor, cold in thermostatic character, and non-poisonous. It has the medicinal properties of clearing heat and getting rid of damp,removing poisons and killing insects/parasites. It is used to treat heat poisoning and bloody dysentery, dark yellow or red urine, scabies (jielai) and malign sores, oedema and jaundice, etc.
