How to Buy Sophora Flavescens Extract

Sophora flavescens extract is an herbal powder derived from the root of the sophora flavescens plant. It has a long history of medicinal use in China, where it is still used to help treat a wide range of diseases including dysentery, edema and eczema. It is legal to buy this extract without a prescription, but it is not among the most common herbal remedies sold in the United States and may be difficult to find in retail outlets.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult your doctor about any risks and benefits associated with sophora flavescens extract before you buy it. Though it is a natural herb, it may interact with some medicines you might already be taking and it could aggravate certain preexisting conditions. Only your doctor will be able to give you personalized advice as to how it may affect you. Since this herb is most commonly used in Eastern alternative medicine, you may find that Western doctors are more likely to dismiss its benefits and recommend pharmaceuticals instead. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you must balance the advice of your doctor with the claims made by the manufacturers of sophora flavescens extract.

• 2

  Call or visit stores in your area that sell natural medicines, herbs and alternative remedies, as they may carry this product. The pure version of sophora flavescens extract is sold in powder form. This herb is also used as an ingredient in several natural herbal blends. If you find one of these blends but not the pure form of sophora flavescens extract, keep in mind that they contain different ingredients.

• 3

  Look for sophora flavescens extract in shops that import lots of products from China, South Korea and other Asian nations. When you do this, you should also look for Ku Shen, the Chinese name for sophora flavescens extract and the name under which many Asian-manufactured versions of it are sold. If you live near ethnic groceries or drug stores in neighborhoods with large Chinese or Chinese-American populations, those may be excellent places to buy sophora flavescens extract locally.

• 4

  You can also order sophora flavescens extract online from the herbal remedy retailers listed in the Resources section, or you may find sophora flavescens extract for sale from other online pharmacies, herb sellers and auction sites.

• 5

  Take your sophora flavescens extract only as directed after you buy it. Discuss your sophora flavescens extract regimen and any perceived benefits or side effects with your doctor in your ongoing doctor visits.