Xuanshen (Scrophularia ningpoensis)

Xuanshen (Scrophularia ningpoensis): dried root of a perennial herb.

Why named "Xuanshen"?

Black in color; xuan means black.

What color and texture when freshly dug?

White, moist and supple; surface quickly turns black after excavation. Soft and juice-rich; after processing, the medicinal slices are black inside and out.

Properties and flavor relationships

White indicates cold nature and enters the Lung; abundant moisture nourishes Yin; soft texture resembles flesh and blood; salty flavor enters the Blood; black belongs to Water and is cold in nature, also representing extreme heat-toxin.

White enters the Lung

White enters the Lung, cold clears heat; black indicates heat-toxin. The most typical heat-toxin condition related to the Lung is sore, swollen throat—resembling an abscess, which is caused by heat-toxin congestion.

Thus Xuanshen can detoxify and relieve sore throat, and also treat abscesses and swellings.

Cools the Blood and clears heat

Cold in nature, salty in flavor, enters the Blood, and soft like blood—so it also cools the Blood and clears heat.

Nourishes Kidney Yin and subdues fire

Black enters the Kidney, soft and moist—so it also nourishes Kidney Yin and subdues fire.

Generates fluids and nourishes Yin

Black is the color of Water; Water tends to moisten and descend. Bitter flavor also directs downward, and it generates fluids and nourishes Yin—so it can be combined with Shengdi (Raw Rehmannia) and Maidong (Ophiopogon) to treat constipation due to heat injury and fluid depletion.

Xuanshen actions

Nourishes Yin, subdues fire, moistens dryness, generates fluids, reduces swelling, and detoxifies.