Baikal skullcap
Scutellaria baicalensis · 黄芩
Herbs & Roots. Chinese Medicine.
Also called Huang qin, Chinese skullcap, Scutellaria root, Baical skullcap
Pinyin: Huáng qín
Rare liver injury reportedThe root of a Chinese and Siberian skullcap, used in Chinese medicine for fever, gut heat and diarrhea.
Did you know? Its species name, baicalensis, refers to Lake Baikal in Siberia, one of the deepest lakes on Earth, near where the plant grows.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Inflammation. Lab and animal studies show anti-inflammatory activity. Human trials are few.Traditional proof
- Digestion & gut health. Used in tradition for diarrhea and gut infections. Human trials of the root alone are lacking.Traditional proof
- Infections. Lab studies show it can fight some bacteria and viruses. Human proof is lacking.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Traditional Chinese Medicine has used the root for fever, heat in the chest, and damp heat in the gut that causes diarrhea or bloody stool. It is a core herb in Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Coptis Detoxifying Decoction).
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant. Energy: cooling.
- Chinese medicine
- 黄芩 Clear heat. Nature: cold. Flavour: bitter. Enters the Lung, Gallbladder, Spleen, Large Intestine and Small Intestine channels.
How people take it
Traditional doses are about 3 to 10 grams of dried root in a decoction. Extracts and capsules vary by brand. Few human doses have been tested.
Decoction, capsule and tea.
Where to get it
Grows in northern China, Mongolia, Russia, Korea and Japan. Sold as dried root slices, powder, capsules and extracts. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a different plant.
Be careful
Large doses may cause stomach upset or diarrhea. Rare liver injury has been reported with some skullcap products, so people with liver disease should avoid it. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not well studied.
Avoid if: liver disease; pregnancy; breastfeeding.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) pairs them for alternating chills and fever with a bitter taste in the mouth.
- Works well together
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Coptis Detoxifying Decoction) combines them with phellodendron and gardenia for heat and fever.
- Works well together
Also in Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, where it helps clear damp heat.
- Works well together
Also in Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, for heat and restlessness.
Found in these formulas
Coptis Detox Decoction (TCM)
The honest take
Baikal skullcap has a long place in Chinese medicine, and lab studies show many active chemicals. Human trials on the whole root are few and small. Its use for fevers and gut infections is traditional, not proven, and liver safety needs care.