Scrophularia root (commonly known as Chinese Figwort, or Scrophularia ningpoensis) has a longstanding history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for addressing a range of inflammatory skin disorders, including eczema. In TCM, the root is categorized as a "cooling" herb, reputed to clear heat, resolve toxicity, and nourish yin—patterns believed to underlie conditions like eczema (termed "damp-heat" or "wind-heat" in TCM). Traditional formulations, such as Qing Ying Tang or Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, often include Scrophularia root to alleviate symptoms such as redness, itching, and swelling associated with eczema and other inflammatory skin diseases.

Scientific evidence for the efficacy of Scrophularia root specifically for eczema is limited. While some in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts from Scrophularia species possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, direct clinical trials evaluating its effects on eczema in humans are lacking or of low methodological quality. The active constituents, such as harpagoside and iridoid glycosides, may contribute to anti-inflammatory actions, but their relevance to eczema remains speculative. Therefore, while the use of Scrophularia root for eczema is well-grounded in tradition and historical practice, robust scientific evidence to support its efficacy in this context is currently insufficient.