Scrophularia
(Xuanshen)
Pharmaceutical Name : Radix Scrophulariae
Botanical Name : Scrophularia ningpoensiis
Hemsl.
Common Name : Scrophularia root, Ningpo
figwort root
Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao
Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations : The roots are dug in the period
at the Beginning of Winter (nineteenth solar
term) and dried in the sun until they are
black on the inside, then they are cut into
slices.
Properties & Taste : Bitter, sweet-salty
and cold
Meridians : Lung, stomach and kidney
Functions :
1. To clear heat and nourish yin;
2. To release toxins and nodules
Indications & Combinations:
1. Sore throat caused by exogenous pathogenic
wind. Scrophularia (Xuanshen) is used with
Arctium fruit (Niubangzi), Platycodon root
(Jiegeng) and Mentha (Bohe).
2. Sore throat caused by excessive interior
heat. Scrophularia (Xuanshen) is used with
Ophiopogon root (Maidong), Platycodon root
(Jiegeng) and raw Licorice root (Gancao).
3. Boils carbuncles and furuncles. Scrophularia
(Xuanshen) is used with Honeysuckle flower
(Jinyinhua) and raw Licorice root (Gancao).
4. Scrofula, goiter and subcutaneous nodules.
Scrophularia (Xuanshen) is used with Tendrilled
fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu) and Oyster shell
(Muli).
5. Febrile disease in which pathogenic factors
attack the nutritive and blood levels: a)
thirst, fever, insomnia and deep red tongue
proper with scanty coatingScrophularia (Xuanshen)
is used with Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang)
and Ophiopogon root (Maidong); b) high fever,
unconsciousness and maculopapuleScrophularia
(Xuanshen) is used with Anemarrhena rhizome
(Zhimu), Gypsum (Shigao) and Rhinoceros horn
(Xijiao).
6. Constipation due to dryness in the intestines.
Scrophularia (Xuanshen) is used with Fresh
rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) and Ophiopogon
root (Maidong).
Dosage: 10-15 g
Cautions & Contraindications:
Scrophularia (Xuanshen) is contraindicated
in cases with weakness of the spleen and stomach
and should not be combined with Black false
bellebore (Lilu). |
