Scutellaria baicalensis

Baikal Skullcap

Lamiaceae

Evidence: LimitedCaffeine Free ChinaCold SeasonRespiratory ComfortRelaxation

Save to favorites

Identity

Common Name: Baikal Skullcap
Scientific Name: Scutellaria baicalensis
Botanical Family: Lamiaceae
Native Region: East Asia (China, Siberia, Mongolia)
Cultivation Regions: China, Mongolia, Russia (Siberia)
Plant Parts Used: Root
Synonyms: Huang Qin, Chinese Skullcap, Golden Root
Caffeine Level: Caffeine Free

A small upright perennial with opposite narrow lance-shaped leaves and small two-lipped purple-blue flowers, bearing a long thick yellow-rooted rhizome, the prized part used in TCM.

Historical Background

Baikal skullcap (huang qin) has been a prized root of Traditional Chinese Medicine for millennia, used to 'clear heat and dry dampness.' Distinct from American skullcap, its golden-yellow root is decocted into respiratory and calming teas, and its baicalin is much studied.

Earliest recorded uses: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for millennia; a prized 'clear heat and dry dampness' root (huang qin).

Traditional preparations:

Root decoction
Clear-heat TCM formula
Respiratory & calming tea

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Clears heat, dries dampness; respiratory and calming root (huang qin).

Modern Herbalism

Respiratory and calming tea (distinct from American skullcap).

Flavor & Aroma

MildSlightly BitterGreenEarthy

Aroma: Mild, slightly bitter, green, earthy

Tea Information

Suitable for Tea

Yes

Preparation Methods

Decoction

Steeping Temperature

200°F (93°C)

Steeping Time

15-20 minutes simmer (decoction)

Recommended Vessel

Saucepan (decoction)

Blends Well With

Skullcap, Honeysuckle, Green Tea, Licorice Root, Honey

200°F (93°C) 15-20 minutes simmer (decoction)

Safety & Cautions

Contraindications

Generally safe in tea amounts; avoid in pregnancy and liver disease; caution with antihypertensive, sedative, and blood-sugar drugs; discontinue before surgery.

Drug Interactions

May lower blood pressure and blood sugar; may enhance sedative effects and bleeding with anticoagulants; may affect liver-metabolized drugs (CYP); consult a clinician.

Pregnancy

Avoid medicinal doses.

Children

Mild decoctions acceptable in small amounts.

Allergies

Possible in those sensitive to Lamiaceae; rare.

Known Adverse Effects

Generally well tolerated; may cause mild GI upset, drowsiness, or, rarely, allergic reactions; high doses may affect liver and blood pressure.

Research Summary

Evidence Level: Limited

Baikal skullcap has a long TCM tradition for heat, respiratory, and calming needs. Preclinical work on baicalin shows anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity, but clinical evidence is limited; it is not a treatment for infection, hepatitis, anxiety, or any disease.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources

PubMed · Scutellaria baicalensis review (2019)
EMA HMPC · Scutellaria assessment (2016)

Related Herbs

Caffeine Free

Prunella vulgaris

Self-Heal

Lamiaceae

Mild, slightly bitter, green, earthy

Evidence: InsufficientThroat ComfortCold Season

Caffeine Free

Leonurus cardiaca

Motherwort

Lamiaceae

Herbal, slightly bitter, green, earthy

Evidence: InsufficientWomen's WellnessRelaxation

Caffeine Free

Stachys officinalis

Wood Betony

Lamiaceae

Mild, herbal, slightly bitter, green

Evidence: InsufficientRelaxationStress