Xuán Shēn (玄参) — Scrophularia Root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Xuán Shēn (玄参) is the dried root of Scrophularia ningpoensis, the Chinese figwort. It belongs to the category of Cool herbs that nourish Yin in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most useful herbs in Chinese herbal medicine for combined patterns of Yin deficiency and Heat-toxin, particularly affecting the throat, eyes and lymphatic system.
I prescribe Xuán Shēn as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Xuán Shēn |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 玄参 |
| Latin name | Scrophularia ningpoensis |
| English name | Scrophularia root / Chinese figwort |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter, sweet, salty |
| Channels entered | Lung, Kidney, Stomach |
| Category | Cool herbs that nourish Yin |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Nourishes Yin and clears Heat — particularly in the Lung and Kidney
- Clears Heat-toxin and eases the throat
- Cools the Blood
- Softens hardness and reduces nodules
Indications
- Sore swollen throat from Heat-toxin or Yin-deficiency heat
- Lymphadenopathy, scrofula, goitre from Phlegm-Fire constraint
- Yin-deficiency with afternoon tidal fever, dry mouth and a peeled red tongue
- Macular eruptions and constipation from heat injuring fluids
4. Modern research
Scrophularia root contains iridoid glycosides (harpagoside, harpagide), phenylpropanoid glycosides (angoroside, acteoside), saponins and amino acids. Pharmacological studies report anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anticoagulant and mild cardiotonic effects. Harpagoside is the same compound that gives devil's claw its anti-inflammatory reputation.
5. Cautions and contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with cold-deficient Spleen patterns presenting with cold, loose stools, where the cold nature would aggravate the picture. Traditionally considered incompatible with Lí Lú (Veratrum nigrum).
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Xuán Shēn as part of tailored herbal formulas for recurrent sore throat, lymphadenopathy, thyroid nodules with heat features, and Yin-deficiency presentations with low-grade afternoon fever. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.
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Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
