Xuan Shen, also known as Scrophulariae Radix or Ningpo Figwort Root, is a salty, sweet, and bitter herb that is cold in nature. It is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to nourish Yin, clear heat, cool the blood, and soften hardness. Xuan Shen is commonly used in cases of Yin Deficiency with internal heat, febrile disorders, sore throat, and nodules. It is also valued for its ability to relieve heat toxicity and nourish body fluids during heat-related conditions.
Functions & Benefits
Nourishes Yin & Clears Deficiency Heat
Xuan Shen is a key herb for treating Yin Deficiency with signs of internal heat such as night sweats, dry mouth, tidal fever, and a red tongue with little coating. It cools the blood and replenishes Yin without being overly cloying, making it suitable in long-term conditions.
Cools the Blood & Resolves Toxic Heat
This herb is commonly used to treat febrile diseases with high fever, restlessness, and purplish rashes. It clears heat from the blood level and is often combined with other blood-cooling herbs in warm disease formulas.
Softens Hardness & Dissipates Nodules
Xuan Shen is effective in treating hard swellings and nodules, especially in the neck or throat. It is used for scrofula, goiter, and phlegm-heat-related lumps, helping to reduce mass formation by softening hardness and clearing heat.
Soothes Sore Throat & Throat Swelling
Due to its ability to reduce fire and toxicity, Xuan Shen is frequently included in formulas for sore throat, red swollen tonsils, and inflammation in the throat caused by heat or Yin Deficiency. It is often paired with herbs like Sheng Ma and Ban Lan Gen.
Indications
Night sweats, tidal fever, or dryness from Yin Deficiency with internal heat
Sore throat, red tonsils, or chronic throat inflammation from heat or fire
Skin rashes, purpura, or bleeding from blood-heat
Nodules, goiter, or lumps associated with phlegm-heat or blood stasis
Constipation or irritability from heat invading the nutritive or blood levels
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red, possibly dry with little or no coating
Pulse: Thin and rapid, possibly wiry or floating-empty in Yin Deficiency patterns
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Xuan Shen
Xuan Shen treats Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat, Blood Heat, Toxic Heat in the throat, and Phlegm-Heat Nodules. These patterns typically involve sore throat, dry mouth, tidal fever, and firm masses.
Precautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of cold dampness or Qi Deficiency with loose stools
Not suitable for individuals with poor digestion or cold constitutions
Avoid using with herbs that have an antagonistic interaction, such as Li Lu
May increase dampness in patients with weak Spleen Qi
Conclusion
Xuan Shen is a cooling, Yin-nourishing herb that clears heat from the blood and nourishes fluids. It is particularly useful in treating chronic sore throat, night sweats, Yin Deficiency fever, and nodular masses. Its dual action of cooling and moistening makes it ideal for heat and dryness patterns in the Lung, Kidney, and blood systems.
