Botanical Overview
Scutellaria baicalensis, commonly known as Baikal skullcap, Chinese skullcap, or Huang Qin, is a member of the Lamiaceae family. Its primary medicinal part used is the root. Native to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Russia, it has a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine.
Energetics
Scutellaria baicalensis is characterized by a cooling temperature and drying moisture quality. Its taste is primarily bitter, with a descending directional energy. It exerts a relaxing tonicity and predominantly supports the qi.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Antiviral
- Antioxidant
- Neuroprotective
- Cholagogue
Indications
Western
- Fever
- Influenza
- Upper respiratory infection
- Diarrhea
- Inflammation
- Allergic rhinitis
Syndromes
- Feverish respiratory infections
- Gastrointestinal inflammation
- Allergic conditions
TCM
- Fever
- Cough
- Yellow phlegm
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Restlessness
Syndromes
- Heat in the lungs
- Damp-heat in stomach and intestines
- Liver fire
- Toxicity
Ayurveda
Not traditionally indicated.
Unani
Not traditionally indicated.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The root contains flavonoid compounds such as baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 9-15 grams of root daily
- Standardized extracts (baicalin 20-40 mg) 1-3 times daily
- Tincture (1:5, 30-50% ethanol) 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated; however, safety during pregnancy and lactation is not well established, thus use is not recommended in these periods. May interact with cytochrome P450-metabolized drugs. Avoid in conditions classified as cold or deficiency syndromes due to its cooling and drying properties.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable traditional planetary or elemental rulers have been established for Scutellaria baicalensis.
Selected References
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Liu J, 2011
- Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, 2020
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, 1999