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Huang Qin (黃芩), the root of Scutellaria baicalensis, clears heat and dries dampness (especially of the upper burner and Lung), drains fire and resolves toxicity, cools the blood to stop bleeding, and calms the fetus.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Scutellaria baicalensis (Radix Scutellariae)
Common English Name
Baical skullcap root
Taste
Bitter
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Lung, Gall Bladder, Stomach, Large Intestine
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and dries dampness (damp-heat)
- Drains Lung fire and clears upper-burner heat
- Cools the blood and stops bleeding
- Clears heat and calms the fetus
Indications
Damp-heat with diarrhoea, dysentery and jaundice; Lung heat cough; heat in the blood with bleeding; and restless fetus from heat.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Huang Lian and Huang Bai (San Huang) to drain fire; with Chai Hu (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) for shaoyang.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold with loose stools.
