Ku Shen vs Stellaria media

Bitter root used in TCM to clear heat and dry dampness, used for itching skin conditions, diarrhea, and urinary problems, also widely used in dermatological preparations.

Common garden weed with cooling anti-inflammatory properties; widely used for skin conditions and as food.

matrine, oxymatrine, sophocarpine, sophoridine, flavonoids

saponins, flavonoids, coumarins, vitamin C, minerals

itching, eczema, jaundice, diarrhea, urinary disorders, cervicitis

eczema, psoriasis, itching, cough, constipation

antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-itch, hepatoprotective

topical anti-inflammatory, skin soothing, nutritive food

4.5–9g decoction or topically as wash

5-10g fresh herb or 2-3g dried tea 3x/day

pregnancy, heart conditions, children internally

known allergy

nausea, cardiac arrhythmia at high doses

mild GI upset in large quantities