Xuan Shen - Ningpo Figwort Root, Scrophularia
TCM Materia Medica
Xuan Shen TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "xuan shen" which in english is 
"ningpo figwort root, scrophularia", is categorized within the "herbs that cool the blood" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney, lung and stomach channels and exhibits bitter (ku), cold (han), salty (xian) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 9-30g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Clears Heat, Cools Blood. Bleeding, fever, dry mouth, purplish tongue.
- Nourishes Yin. Particularly for the sequel of warm febrile disease with constipation, irritability.
- Drains Fire, Relieves Toxicity. Swollen, red eyes, sore throat.
- Softens Harness (salty), Dissipates phlegm fire nodules. Swollen, sore throat, neck lumps.
Xuan Shen has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
Incompatible with Li Lu.
Xuan Shen may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: constipation, fever, irritability and/or sore throat
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, xuan shen is generally included in the following 8 formulas:
ViewBai He Gu Jin Wan (Lily Bulb to Preserve the Metal)
General yin deficiency signs may present as night sweats, heat in the soles and palms, and flusing. Cough/wheezing, possible blood in the sputum, dry and sore throat may present from lung yin and qi…
ViewDa Bu Gan Wan (Major Liver Nutrition Pills)
Brittle nails, yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Abdominal cramping, distension or pain in the hypochrondia due to liver qi stangation Fatty liver, hepatitis and other liver diseases.
ViewGeng Nian An Wan (Peaceful Menopause)
Menopause symtpoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, restlessness and anxiety as a result of yin deficiency. Can be used for other yin deficient symtpoms such as tinnitus, dry skin…
ViewHuang Lian Shang Qing Wan (Coptis Clearance Pill)
Dispels wind heat, clear toxic heat - generally used short-term for inflammatory conditions of the face, mouth, head - sore throat, conjunctivitis, acne, swollen gums. Can be a supportive formula fo…
ViewNei Xiao Luo Li Wan (Internally Reducing Cervical Lymphadenitis Pills)
Phlegm obstructions - generally benign masses, lumps, swellings such as lymph nodules, breast cysts, thyroid nodules, goiter, ovarian cysts, fibroids, etc. If used, it may often be combined with dee…
ViewPu Ji Xiao Du Wan (Universal Benefit Decoction To Eliminate Toxin)
Acute febrile disorder (wind-heat & damp-phlegm) of the head - strong fever and chills, burning pain of head and face, red and/or swollen eyes, sore throat, aversion to cold, dryness, thirst. …
ViewTian Wang Bu Xin Wan (Emperor of Heavens Special Pill to Tonify the Heart)
Anxiety, insomnia, irritability, night sweats, hot flashes, flushing or sensation of heat in the palms due to deficiency heat. Insomnia, poor memory, poor focus and concentration due to yin deficien…
ViewXiang Yin Wan (Golden Voice Pills)
Benefits the yin and qi of the lungs, clears heat and wind - acute and/or chronic throat and/or voice issues from overuse, illness, smoking, etc. Symptoms may include difficulty speaking, hoarseness…
As noted above, xuan shen is within the herbs that cool the blood functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... patterns of heat in the blood from febrile disease entering the blood level – blood moves recklessly and causes rashes, nosebleed, vomiting, spitting, or coughing of blood, blood in stool or urine also treats ying level of a febrile disea…)".
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