Baical skullcap
Latin Botanical: Scutellaria baicalensis
Common Name(s): Baical skullcap, Chinese skullcap
Family: Lamiaceae
Part(s) Used: Root, aerial parts, flowers
Energetics: Bitter, dry and cold
USE:
Chinese skullcap labeled a “noteworthy antiolytic” (anti-anxiety effects). Considered a nerve trophorestorative. Meaning it balances, thus restores the central nervous system by nourishing and rebuilding the nerve pathways. Allowing us to reprogram our over stimulated reaction into a regulated and calm response.
Actions:
- Antiallergic (Stabilising mast cells)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Antioxidant (in vitro & in vivo)
- Hepatoprotective (in vivo)
- Aldose Reductase Inhibitor (in vitro & in vivo)
- Sedative (in vitro – wogonin, baicalein, scutellarein & baicalin)
Constituents:
- Flavonoids (6.4-17%) – baicalein, baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin,
- Baicalin is the major constituent, which undergoes decomposition to form baicalein
- Skullcap flavone I and II
- Chrysin
- High in melatonin (Buhner)
Chronic inflammatory conditions:
Chinese skullcap has been shown to inhibit the inflammation associated with:
- Allergy
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Bronchitis
- Common cold
- Scarlet fever
- Coughs with thick yellow sputum
- Pneumonia
- Potential for circadian rhythm support and to support sleep cycles due to melatonin content – take in evening
SAFETY:
History of adulteration with germanader, a hepatotoxic plant, causing stupor, confusion, giddiness and twitching of the limbs. Please purchase Chinese skullcap through a trusted source.
safety in “medicinal” amounts during pregnancy is still unknown.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
( May potentiate any sedative pharmacopeia medication(s))
Losartan May increase drug levels.
Clinical trial with healthy volunteers (water-based extract, A dried herb equivalent: 12 g/day). Monitor (low level of risk at typical doses)
Rosuvastatin (May decrease drug levels.)
Clinical study with healthy volunteers using 150 mg/day of isolated constituent (baicalin). Monitor (low level of risk)
Dosage:
ADULT DOSAGE RANGES
Dosage is in ranges; for safety please work with a qualified herbalist who is trained in proper phytotherapy dosing and possible contraindications, so they can help you navigate a dosage that is personal for you based on weight, age, and if the cause of concern is chronic or acute.
TINCTURE: 2-4mL (1:2,40%) 3x/day
INFUSION: Dried herb; 3–6 g/day divided into 1-3 doses.
CHILDREN’S DOSAGE
Please contact me directly for childrens dosage, or please work with a qualified herbalist who is trained in proper phytotherapy dosing and possible contraindications.
REFRENCES
Clinical Herbalist Training Program
Materia Medica
The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety (Mills and Bone)
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
