What are the functions and benefits of Scrophularia?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been feeling a feverish sensation in my body, and my throat has been slightly swollen and painful. I heard that Xuan Shen (Scrophularia root) has effects of clearing heat and cooling the blood. I wonder if Xuan Shen will be effective for me. What other functions and benefits does it have?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Scrophularia root (Xuan Shen) is cold in nature, with a sweet, bitter, and salty taste, and acts on the lung, stomach, and kidney meridians. It is primarily used for clearing heat and cooling blood, nourishing yin and reducing fire, detoxifying and dispersing nodules. The following are its common therapeutic effects and functions:
1. Clearing heat and cooling blood: Scrophularia root effectively alleviates symptoms such as sore throat, excessive heat in the later stages of febrile disease, and fire-toxin accumulation by clearing internal heat and cooling the blood.
2. Nourishing yin and reducing fire: Scrophularia root helps nourish yin and reduce excessive internal fire. It shows good therapeutic effects on symptoms such as sore throat, dry throat, and hoarseness caused by yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity.
3. Detoxifying and dispersing nodules: Scrophularia root contains multiple active components that accelerate the elimination of toxins from the body and effectively treat conditions such as abscesses, carbuncles, furuncles, scrofula, and tuberculosis. Additionally, this herb promotes local blood circulation, accelerates the absorption of inflammation, and aids wound healing.
4. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects: Extracts of Scrophularia root exhibit certain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, inhibiting the growth of various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, thus providing a scientific basis for treating infectious diseases.
5. Cardiovascular protection: Certain components in Scrophularia root benefit the cardiovascular system by dilating blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and improving microcirculation. It plays a certain role in the prevention and adjunctive treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease.
