Scrophularia ningpoensis, also known as Ningpo Figwort or "Xuan Shen," has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). One of its traditional indications is to "clear heat and reduce toxicity," often used when there are symptoms of swollen or inflamed glands, such as lymphadenitis or sore throat with lymph node swelling. In TCM, such symptoms are interpreted as manifestations of "heat toxins" in the body, and Scrophularia ningpoensis is believed to help dissipate these toxins and reduce associated swelling.

The evidence supporting this use is primarily traditional and historical, based on centuries of clinical practice and descriptions in ancient materia medica texts. Modern pharmacological studies have identified some anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compounds in Scrophularia ningpoensis, such as iridoid glycosides and phenylpropanoids, but there is little direct scientific research or clinical trials specifically evaluating its effects on swollen lymph glands in humans. Thus, while its use for glandular swelling is well-established in TCM, scientific validation remains limited, and its efficacy for this specific condition has not been rigorously confirmed by modern studies.