Synonyms: Baical Scullcap, Baikal Skullcap, Chinese Scullcap, Huang Chin (Yellow Gold), Huang Qin, Scute Root, Yellow Gold
Family: Labiatae or Lamiaceae
Genus species: Scutellaria baicalensis
Type: Perennial herb
Part Used: Root
Location: eastern Asia, Manchuria, northern China, Siberia
Actions: Abortifacient, anodyne, antiallergic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antihistaminic, antihypercholesterolemic, antihyperlipemic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiphlogistic, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, capillary protectant, cardiotonic, cholagogue, choleretic, detoxifier, diuretic, expectorant, helps prevent miscarriage, hemostyptic, hyperglycemic, laxative, sedative, stomachic, tranquilizer
Indications: Abdominal distention, allergies, amenorrhea, angina pectoris, anorexia, asthma, bloodshot eyes, boil, cancer (cervix, glands, lymph, pharynx, stomach, thyroid), carbuncle, colic, common cold, conjunctivitis, constipation, cough, dermatitis, diarrhea, dysentery, eczema, edema, enteritis, fever, furuncle, gastroenteritis, gonorrhea, headache, hematemesis, hematochezia, hemoptysis, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, hypochondria, hypoglycemia, inflammation, influenza, insomnia, jaundice, leukemia, mastitis, nausea, nosebleed, pemphigus, sores, threatened miscarriage, urinary tract infection, vomiting
Chemicals & Nutrients: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium
Preparation & Dosages:
Decoction: 6-15 g, in 2-3 doses
Contraindications: Pregnancy.
Drug Interactions: Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia. Due to the cardioactive chemicals in this herb the following drug interactions are possible: interference and/or antagonism with antiarrhythmics; antagonism of beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs; potentiation of cardiac glycosides and increased risk of hypokalemia; when combined with depolarizing muscle relaxants there is a risk of arrhythmia; interference with nitrates and calcium-channel blockers; may increase the potential terfenadine has to cause arrhythmias. Scute root preparations may antagonize antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs. Due to the antihypertensive (hypotensive) action of this herb the following interactions are possible: when taken with anesthetics an increased hypotensive effect; potentiation of antihypertensives; when taken with diuretics difficulty with diuresis and hypertension may result; antagonism of sympathomimetics.
Safety: Safe when used appropriately.