The Efficacy and Function of Scrophularia Root
Disease description:
I am 40 years old this year and have suffered from chronic pharyngitis for a long time. However, recently I don't know why, my throat has been consistently uncomfortable. After going to the hospital for examination, nothing serious was found. The doctor prescribed some medications for regulation and adjustment, among which there is Scrophularia (Scrophularia ningpoensis, also known as玄参). I would like to ask, what are the functions and benefits of Scrophularia?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Scrophularia (Xuan Shen) has various functions and applications, mainly including:
1. **Clearing Heat and Cooling Blood**: Xuan Shen is cold in nature and can eliminate heat pathogens from the body. It is particularly suitable for treating symptoms of heat entering the blood due to warm diseases, such as high fever and sore throat.
2. **Nourishing Yin and Reducing Fire**: Xuan Shen is highly effective for symptoms caused by lung yin deficiency, such as dry cough with little phlegm, blood-tinged sputum, and hoarseness. It nourishes body fluids and reduces internal deficiency fire.
3. **Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects**: Xuan Shen possesses antibacterial properties and can inhibit the growth of various bacteria and fungi, making it helpful in treating infectious diseases such as pneumonia, gastroenteritis, and urinary tract infections.
4. **Lowering Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar**: The water extract, ethanol-water extract, and decoction of Xuan Shen have a significant hypotensive effect on anesthetized animals and may also serve as an adjunctive treatment for diabetes.
