Chinese Single Herbs - Xuanshen (Scrophularia ningpoensis , Figwort Root) 玄参

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.