Huai Hua (Sophora japonica Flower Bud) – Lab-Tested Japanese Pagoda Tree Flower

Huai Hua (Huai Hua Mi) – the flower buds of the Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica) – is a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb used for centuries to cool the blood, support healthy circulation, and balance excess heat in the body. At 1st Chinese Herbs, our Huai Hua comes from the respected Plum Flower line, giving you geo-authentic quality that is rigorously tested for purity and safety before it ever reaches your kitchen or clinic.

Use this page as your trusted guide to understand what Huai Hua does in TCM, how it is traditionally prepared, who it may be appropriate for, and why practitioners choose 1st Chinese Herbs as their bulk herb source.

Quick Facts: Huai Hua (Huai Hua Mi)

• Common Names: Sophora flower bud, Japanese pagoda tree flower, Huai Hua, Huai Hua Mi
• Botanical Name: Sophora japonica flower bud (Flos Sophorae Immaturus)
• TCM Category: Cools Blood & Stops Bleeding
• Temperature: Cool
• Taste: Bitter
• Meridians Entered: Liver, Large Intestine
• Form: Whole / cut dried flower buds
• Package Size: 1 lb (454 g)
• Brand: Plum Flower – Authorized distributor by 1st Chinese Herbs
• Other Ingredients: None – pure bulk herb, no fillers, dyes, or preservatives added
• Origin: China (geo-authentic growing regions)

TCM Snapshot: What Does Huai Hua Do?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huai Hua is a key herb in the category that cools the blood and stops bleeding. Practitioners reach for it when there is excess heat that has moved into the blood level and is showing up as signs such as redness, irritation, or bleeding in the lower part of the body.

Huai Hua in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Cooling Blood & Supporting Healthy Bleeding Patterns

When excess heat agitates the blood, classical TCM texts describe it as “reckless movement of blood.” Huai Hua is traditionally used in formulas to help cool and contain the blood, so that healthy circulation is maintained without unwanted bleeding. Practitioners often combine Huai Hua with other cooling and astringing herbs in famous prescriptions such as Huai Hua San to support comfortable bowel movements and the tissues of the lower intestine.

Clearing Liver Heat & Calming Rising Yang

Because Huai Hua enters the Liver channel, it is also used when there is excess Liver heat or Liver yang rising. In TCM terms, this may show up as red, irritated eyes, a flushed face, headache, dizziness, or feeling “hot in the head” while the rest of the body may feel relatively normal. In formulas, Huai Hua is paired with other Liver-cooling herbs to gently anchor and soothe this type of pattern.

Formulas that Traditionally Feature Huai Hua

• Huai Hua San – a classic formula used historically when heat and dampness affect the Large Intestine, especially when bleeding is present.
• Combinations with Di Yu, Ce Bai Ye, or Jing Jie – to enhance the cooling, astringing, or surface-releasing aspects of the formula depending on the pattern.

Formula names are provided for educational reference only. Always work with a qualified practitioner when using classical formulas.

Modern Research on Sophora japonica Flower Buds

Modern herbal research has taken a closer look at the traditional uses of Huai Hua. Studies have evaluated Sophora japonica flower buds for their:

• Vascular and capillary support: The flavonoid rutin, naturally present in Huai Hua, has been studied for its role in maintaining healthy capillary strength and normal circulation.
• Antioxidant activity: Quercetin, rutin, and related compounds help neutralize free radicals and support healthy inflammatory responses in the body.
• Traditional applications for hemorrhoidal symptoms: Clinical trials using Sophora flower–containing formulas have investigated comfort and symptom scores related to bleeding hemorrhoids and rectal discomfort in a controlled setting.

These findings support what TCM practitioners have observed for generations: Huai Hua is an important herb for maintaining vascular integrity and balanced blood movement when used appropriately within a full formula and pattern diagnosis.

As always, research is evolving. Huai Hua is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How to Use Huai Hua from 1st Chinese Herbs

Because Huai Hua is a strong, cooling herb, it is best used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, especially for long-term use or when strong symptoms are present. Below are general educational guidelines that show common traditional approaches.

1. Decoction (Traditional Herbal Tea)

In many TCM clinics, Huai Hua is combined with other herbs and simmered as a decoction.

• General traditional range: Often 6–15 grams per day in combination with other herbs, as directed by a practitioner.
• Method: Rinse the herbs quickly, then simmer gently in water for 20–30 minutes. Strain and drink warm, following your practitioner’s instructions.

2. Powdered in Formulas

Some practitioners grind Huai Hua and other herbs into a fine powder and encapsulate or mix into warm water. This allows for more convenient dosing and may be more comfortable for those who dislike strong-tasting decoctions.

3. Tea for General Liver & Heat Support*

When used more gently, Huai Hua may be included in an occasional tea blend meant to cool Liver heat and support healthy circulation. It is often combined with chrysanthemum flower, mulberry leaf, or goji berry (Gou Qi Zi) depending on the constitution.

*For occasional wellness support only. Not a substitute for individualized, professional care.

Simple Huai Hua Cooling Tea 

Ingredients:

• 3–5 g Huai Hua (Sophora flower buds)
• 3–5 g Chrysanthemum flower (Ju Hua)
• Optional: 3–5 g Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi) for gentle blood and eye support

Directions:

1. Rinse the herbs briefly in cool water.
2. Add the herbs to a small pot with about 16–20 oz (500–600 ml) of water.
3. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 10–15 minutes.
4. Strain, sip warm, and pay attention to how your body responds.

This recipe is for educational use and general wellness only. If you have bleeding, high blood pressure, or any medical condition, work closely with your licensed practitioner before using herbs.

Why Practitioners Choose Huai Hua from 1st Chinese Herbs

Plum Flower Quality

• Plum Flower: Every batch is tested for identity, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants according to pharmacopeial standards.
• Geo-authentic sourcing: Herbs are grown in regions traditionally known for producing potent, high-quality Sophora japonica flower buds.
• Transparent supply chain: Certificates of Analysis are available upon request, so you can see exactly how your herb was evaluated.

Why 1st Chinese Herbs is a Trusted Supplier

• Family-owned since 1994: Decades of experience sourcing and shipping quality Chinese herbs from Washington State, USA.
• Herbs for home users and professionals: We supply individuals, herbalists, acupuncturists, and clinics nationwide.
• Education-first approach: Our site is full of practical guides on how to use bulk herbs safely and effectively.
• Customer support: Have questions? Reach out through our Contact Our Herbal Team page for friendly, informed help.

Ready to add Huai Hua to your apothecary? Select your quantity click “Add to Cart” to get lab-tested Sophora flower buds delivered to your door.

Safety, Cautions & Who Should Avoid Huai Hua

• External vs. internal use: This product is sold as a bulk herb for traditional preparation. How it is used should be determined by a qualified practitioner.
• Pregnancy & nursing: Do not use Huai Hua if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your licensed practitioner specifically recommends and monitors it.
• Bleeding or clotting disorders: If you have a history of bleeding disorders, are on anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications, or bruise easily, work closely with your healthcare provider before using this herb.
• Cold, weak digestion, or Yang deficiency: Because Huai Hua is cooling and bitter, individuals with very cold patterns, loose stools, or low energy may not tolerate it well without careful balancing in a formula.
• Duration of use: Traditional TCM treatment plans are individualized and time-limited. Long-term or high-dose use should always be supervised by a practitioner.

Always tell your doctor and TCM practitioner about any herbs, supplements, or medications you are using, so they can help you avoid interactions and monitor your progress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Huai Hua

What does Huai Hua taste like?

Huai Hua is bitter and cool. In tea or decoction, the flavor is distinctly herbal, slightly grassy, and not sweet. It is usually combined with other herbs rather than taken alone for taste and balance.

Can I take Huai Hua every day?

Daily use should be guided by a practitioner. In TCM, Huai Hua is more of a “targeted” herb than a gentle everyday tonic. It is usually used for a specific pattern and gradually reduced or discontinued as balance is restored.

What’s the difference between Huai Hua and Huai Jiao?

Huai Hua refers to the flower buds; Huai Jiao refers to the fruit of the same tree. Both are cooling, but Huai Hua is often preferred when cooling blood and supporting healthy bleeding patterns in the lower body, while Huai Jiao is more often used to clear intestinal heat and support the bowels. Your practitioner will choose the form that best matches your pattern.

Is Huai Hua safe to use with medications?

It depends on your medications and health history. Because Huai Hua has an effect on blood and circulation, it is very important to consult your prescribing provider and a licensed TCM practitioner before combining it with blood-thinning medications or other prescriptions.

How should I store Huai Hua?

Store your Huai Hua in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep it in its original sealed bag or transfer it to an airtight glass jar. Proper storage helps preserve aroma, color, and potency.

Related Links & Further Learning

• How To Use Bulk Herbs – teas, tinctures, salves & more
• What No One Tells You About Chinese Herbs (Common Mistakes & Fixes)
• 10 Vital Medicinal Herbs That Work – Free eBook
• Contact Our Herbal Team for personalized help choosing herbs

FDA & DSHEA Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before starting any new herbal program, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.