Lamiaceae
Baikal Skullcap
Scutellaria baicalensis
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: China, Mongolia, Russia
Also known as: Chinese Skullcap, Huang Qin, Baical Skullcap, Golden Root
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Liver disease (hepatitis — clinical trials in China), viral infections, bacterial infections (MRSA synergy with antibiotics), cancer adjunct, COVID-19 (baicalin clinical trials), allergic conditions, hypertension.
Herbal Actions
Anti-inflammatory (COX-2 inhibitor), antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antitumor
Active Constituents
Baicalin (baicalein-7-glucuronide — primary, 15–40%), wogonoside, wogonin, skullcap flavonoid, oroxylin A
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture🍵 Decoction
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 6–15g dried root simmered 30 min in 500ml, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Baicalin and wogonin have enormous body of in vitro and Asian clinical evidence. Standardized extract (85% baicalin): 400mg 3x daily. Combines synergistically with antibiotics against MRSA. Different from American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy (theoretical). Caution with CYP enzyme substrates. Generally safe.
Side Effects: GI upset at high doses. Rare allergic reactions. Extremely well tolerated.