Scrophularia root (Scrophularia ningpoensis / Scrophularia nodosa)
Synopsis of scrophularia root
Scrophularia root comes from plants in the Scrophularia genus, commonly referred to as figworts. Species such as Scrophularia ningpoensis and Scrophularia nodosa are most frequently used in herbal medicine. These plants are known for their bitter taste and strong detoxifying properties, with the root being the most medicinally active part. Scrophularia root contains iridoid glycosides (like harpagoside), phenylpropanoids, and saponins, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, lymphatic, and antimicrobial properties. In traditional medicine, it has been used to support lymphatic drainage, treat skin conditions, reduce swelling, and soothe sore throats.
In contemporary herbal practice, Scrophularia root is valued for promoting the clearance of waste through the lymphatic system and is often included in detoxification and skin-support protocols. It is also explored for its mild cardiotonic effects and as a potential immune modulator. Some herbalists consider it useful in managing inflammatory joint conditions and as part of a broader approach to chronic infections or glandular swellings.
Historical Use:
Scrophularia has a long history of use in both Western and Eastern herbal traditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Scrophularia ningpoensis is known as Xuán Shēn and has been employed for over a thousand years to "clear heat," nourish yin, and reduce toxic swellings. It was often prescribed in formulas for febrile diseases, throat infections, nodules, and skin eruptions. In European folk medicine, figwort (Scrophularia nodosa) was historically called "throatwort" or "knotted figwort" and was used to treat scrofula—tubercular swelling of the lymph nodes—hence the genus name. The Doctrine of Signatures, a Renaissance herbal philosophy, held that the knotted roots resembled swollen glands, signaling their medicinal purpose.
Herbalists in medieval Europe also applied poultices of figwort root to hemorrhoids, ulcers, and wounds, praising its ability to reduce pain and inflammation. Over time, its use declined in mainstream Western medicine but was preserved by herbalists and revived in modern naturopathic circles interested in lymphatic health and chronic skin disorders.
Scrophularia root is used for these health conditions
Abscesses (Traditional)
Acne (Traditional)
Adenitis (Traditional)
Allergies (respiratory) (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bladder Infection (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Carbuncles (Traditional)
Chest Pain (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Herpes (Traditional)
Hot Flashes (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Itching (Traditional)
Jaundice (adults) (Traditional)
scrophularia root is used to support these body systems
Blood (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Thyroid Gland (Traditional)
