Baikal Skullcap Root

The root of Scutellaria baicalensis, native to north-east China and Mongolia, comes as golden-yellow cylindrical lengths, sometimes hollow at the centre when the plant is old (Ku Qin).

Harvested in autumn after three to four years of growth, it is sliced and dried.

Its bitter savour is less pronounced than that of Huang Lian, which makes it more approachable.

Traditionally used for the heats of the upper sphere (the Metal Phase in particular) and for the heat-Dampness of the median sphere.

Traditionally used when heat disturbs the breath, heats the mucous membranes, or settles into the Shao Yang channel, alternating with the cool.

• Decoction: 3 to 10 g, simmer for 25 minutes
• Carbonised form (Huang Qin Tan): to preserve the cohesion of the Blood
• Xiao Chai Hu Tang: a classic blend with Chai Hu for the Shao Yang

To be avoided in cases of deficient Yang with deep cold or of chronically loose stools.

A herb traditionally held to be compatible with the time of expecting a child for constitutions with excess heat (under a practitioner’s supervision).