Baical skullcap

Scutellaria baicalensis syn. S. macrantha

IN 1973, 92 wooden tablets were discovered in a 2nd-century AD tomb in northwestern China. Among other herbs listed in prescriptions for decoctions, tinctures, pills, and ointments was Baical skullcap. Baical skullcap has had a central place in Chinese herbal medicine at least since that time and is one of the main remedies for "hot and damp" conditions, such as dysentery and diarrhea.

Other names

• Huang Quin

Parts used

Root.

Uses

Cold & bitter herb - In traditional Chinese medicine, Baical skullcap is "cold" and "bitter". Baical skullcap is prescribed in China for hot and thirsty conditions such as high fevers, coughs with thick yellow phlegm, and gastrointestinal infections that cause diarrhea, such as dysentery. Baical skullcap is also given to people suffering from painful urinary conditions.
Anti-inflammatory - In the light of recent research, baical skullcap is now used for allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, and nettle rash, although undoubtedly its anti- inflammatory action is most useful for digestive infections.
Circulatory remedy - Baical skullcap is a valuable remedy for the circulation. In combination with other herbs, baical skullcap is used to treat high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, varicose veins, and easy bruising.
Other medical uses - Applied to the skin, baical skullcap treats sores, swelling, and boils. Baical skullcap appears to be useful for circulatory problems that arise from diabetes.

Habitat & cultivation

Baical skullcap is found in China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia. Baical skullcap thrives on sunny grassy slopes and in open areas between 350 ft (100 m) and 8,000 ft (2,000 m) above sea level. Baical skullcap is propagated from seed sown in autumn and the root of 3- to 4-year-old plants is harvested in autumn or spring.

Research

Flavonoids - Baical skullcap has been extensively researched in China, and it is clear that baical skullcap has a marked anti-inflammatory and antiallergenic action. This is largely due to the flavonoids. In common with other herbs that have significant levels of flavonoids, such as hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha), it is likely that baical skullcap may help venous problems and fragile capillaries.
Verifying traditional uses - Clinical trials suggest that baical skullcap's traditional use for high fevers and infections such as dysentery are justified.
Diabetes - Baical skullcap may be useful for problems arising from diabetes, including cataracts.

Constituents

- Flavonoids (about 12%)-baicalin, wogoniside.
- Sterols.
- Benzoic acid.

Back To Top