Use of Huang Qin (baikal skullcap roots) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Remove impurities, steam for half an hour, cut in thin slices, dry.
Dosage: 3 - 9 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Expels Heat and Dampness. Clears Upper Burner Heat, especially of the Lung. Clears Heat and stops reckless movement of Blood. Clears pathogenic Heat which is upsetting the fetus. Cools the
Liver, reducing Liver Yang rising syndrome.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Huang Qin may be prescribed by TCM doctors*:
Chest pain
Vomiting
Dysentery
Jaundice
Coughing
Bloody sputum
Nosebleed
Carbuncles
Sores
Miscarriage
Contraindications*: This herb should not be used by those with Deficiency Heat in the Lungs, with Coldness in the Middle Burner with diarrhea, nor by those mothers with restless fetus due to Cold conditions.
Common TCM formulas in which Huang Qin is used*
Huang Qin is a king ingredient in Qing Re Gu Jing Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Qing Re Gu Jing Tang, Huang Qin clears Heat and excretes Fire. It prevents the Yang from rising in the Liver Channel. Together with Cape jasmine fruits, they treat irregular vaginal bleeding due to Liver Fire.
Read more about Qing Re Gu Jing Tang
Huang Qin is a king ingredient in Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, Huang Qin resolves Lesser Yang disorders, and releases constraint at this level along with Bupleurum root.
Read more about Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Huang Qin is a king ingredient in Qing Pi Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Qing Pi Tang, Huang Qin , together with Bupleurum root, it resolves the Lesser Yang, venting pathogens and clearing Heat.
Bupleurum root is the best herb for clearing the muscles and reducing fever. However, without Baikal skullcap root, it can neither cool the muscles nor release the Exterior.
Read more about Qing Pi Tang
Huang Qin is a king ingredient in Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan, Huang Qin drains Heat and facilitates the resolution of Dampness. It acts
on the Lower Burners, so that Qi can flow freely and the Damp-Heat has an avenue by which to exit the body.
It also clears Heat and resolves toxicity.
Read more about Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Huang Qin is a king ingredient in San Zhong Kui Jian Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, Huang Qin clears Toxic-Heat. It addresses the accumulated Heat that occurs at the area
of the tumor and also the Heat of specific Organs that are the root cause of the tumor.
Read more about San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
Huang Qin is a king ingredient in Shao Yao Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Shao Yao Tang, Huang Qin is bitter and very cooling. It resolves Heat toxicity in the Intestines by clearing Heat and drying Dampness.
Read more about Shao Yao Tang
Huang Qin is a king ingredient in Huang Qin Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Huang Qin Tang, Huang Qin is bitter and cold. It drains Heat from the Lesser Yang and Yang Brightness, resolves toxicity, and stops dysentery and diarrhea.
Read more about Huang Qin Tang
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
Read more about Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Ding Chuan Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Ding Chuan Tang, Huang Qin clears Heat and transforms Phlegm. Together with Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi), they act to eliminate Phlegm Heat from the Lungs, arrest the wheezing and stop the coughing.
Read more about Ding Chuan Tang
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Xiao Chai Hu Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
Read more about Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, Huang Qin drains clumping from the epigastrium by drying and directing downward.
Read more about Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Xie Xin Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Xie Xin Tang, Huang Qin ,together with the other deputy herb Goldthread rhizome, drains Heat from the Upper and Middle Burners.
Read more about Xie Xin Tang
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Huang Lian Jie Du Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, Huang Qin clears Heat from the Upper Burner.
Read more about Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Da Chai Hu Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Da Chai Hu Tang, Huang Qin bitter and cold. Together with the key herb Bupleurum root, it clears Heat from the Lesser Yang. It also assists the other key herb Rhubarb in draining Heat from the bowels.
Read more about Da Chai Hu Tang
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Pai Shi Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Pai Shi Tang, Huang Qin expels Damp-Heat and cools the Liver. It also clears Heat and stops reckless movement of Blood.
Read more about Pai Shi Tang
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang, Huang Qin helps the key herbs in clearing Toxic-Heat.
Read more about Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang, Huang Qin clears Heat from the Lungs and Upper Burner.
Read more about Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, Huang Qin assists the action of the key herbs by focusing on the lurking Heat in the Interior. It also drains Heat from the Lesser Yang.
Read more about Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Liang Ge San. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Liang Ge San, Huang Qin drains stagnant Heat from the Lungs and clears constrained Heat from the Diaphragm.
It focus on the Upper and Middle Burners.
Read more about Liang Ge San
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang, Huang Qin clears Heat from the Upper Burner.
Read more about Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin, Huang Qin clear Toxic-Heat.
Read more about Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Gu Jing Wan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Gu Jing Wan, Huang Qin is bitter and cooling. It drains Heat from the Upper Burner and Blood to stop the bleeding.
The combination of key and deputy herbs controls the Fire (yang) by directing it downward, as well as by fortifying the water (Yin) itself.
Read more about Gu Jing Wan
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin, Huang Qin strengthens the power of the key herb to clear Heat.
Read more about Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang, Huang Qin , with the other deputies herb, it relieves irritability and drains Fire to remove the cause of damage to the Yin.
Read more about Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang
Huang Qin is a deputy ingredient in Fang Feng Tong Sheng San. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Fang Feng Tong Sheng San, Huang Qin clears Heat from the Lungs and Stomach.
Read more about Fang Feng Tong Sheng San
Huang Qin is an assistant ingredient in Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, Huang Qin clears Heat and drains Fire. It prevent the Yang from rising in the Liver Channel.
Read more about Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Huang Qin is an assistant ingredient in Dang Gui Long Hui Wan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Dang Gui Long Hui Wan, Huang Qin drains Fire from the Lungs.
Read more about Dang Gui Long Hui Wan
Huang Qin is an assistant ingredient in Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan, Huang Qin drains Heat, dries Dampness, and stops dysenteric disorders
Read more about Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan
Huang Qin is an assistant ingredient in Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, Huang Qin is also bitter and cold, which is useful in draining Heat from the Lungs and to stop wheezing. It helps to treat relatively superficial levels of the body. It is often used to dysenteric disorders due to Damp Heat by entering into the Intestines.
Read more about Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang
Huang Qin is an assistant ingredient in Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan, Huang Qin matches with Rhubarb to clear Heat from the Liver due to Blood Stagnation.
With the blood-invigorating and purgative herbs, its action of descending Qi encourages the elimination of Blood Stagnation.
In addition, the combination of Baikal skullcap root and Apricot seed is helpful in clearing Heat from constraint.
Read more about Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan
Huang Qin is an assistant ingredient in Huang Tu Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Huang Tu Tang, Huang Qin is cold and bitter. It clears Liver Heat and also cools the Blood to prevent this from occurring, especially in concert with Unprepared Rehmannia.
Together with other assistant herb of the formula, it counterbalance the warming and drying nature of Atractylodes rhizome and Prepared aconite.
Read more about Huang Tu Tang
Huang Qin is an assistant ingredient in Gun Tan Wan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Gun Tan Wan, Huang Qin is bitter and cooling. It clears Fire from the Upper Burner to prevent it from scorching the Body Fluids and thereby
generating more Phlegm.
The large dosage of this herb is used to thoroughly transform the root of this disorder. It is also washed in wine in order to direct their action to the Upper Burner from which it can then exert
their downward-directing action via the Middle and Lower Burners.
Read more about Gun Tan Wan
Huang Qin is an assistant ingredient in Qing Xin Li Ge Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Qing Xin Li Ge Tang, Huang Qin clear Toxic-Heat of the Lungs.
Read more about Qing Xin Li Ge Tang
Huang Qin is an assistant ingredient in An Tai Zhu Gao. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In An Tai Zhu Gao, Huang Qin clears Heat and stops reckless movement of Blood.
Read more about An Tai Zhu Gao
Huang Qin is an assistant ingredient in Shi Gao Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Shi Gao Tang, Huang Qin is bitter and very cold and it excels at draining Heat and resolving Toxicity in the Interior.
Read more about Shi Gao Tang
Key TCM concepts behind Huang Qin's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Huang Qin belongs to the 'Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness' category. Herbs in this category are used to clear inflammatory and infectious conditions, referred to as 'Internal Heat' in TCM. This is why most of the herbs in this category will have both antibacterial and antiviral properties. In TCM one has too much 'Internal Heat' in their body as a result of a deficiency of 'Yin' (which is Cold in nature, see our explanation on Yin and Yang) or, more commonly, an Excess of Yang (Hot in nature). Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness treat the latter while, at the same time, relieving the body of excess Dampness. As such they tend to be Cold or Neutral in nature.
As suggested by its category Huang Qin is Cold in nature. This means that Huang Qin typically helps people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Huang Qin can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Huang Qin also tastes Bitter. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Huang Qin tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Huang Qin is thought to target the Gallbladder, the Heart, the Large intestine, the Lung, the Small intestine and the Spleen. Similar to modern medicine, in TCM the Gallbladder stores and releases bile produced by the Liver. It also controls the emotion of decisiveness. In addition to regulating Blood flow, the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. The Large Intestine receives the "impure" parts of the digested food from the Small Intestine, absorbs the remaining fluids and excrete the remainder as feces. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body. Like the Stomach, the Small Intestine has a digestive role, extracting the "pure" part of what we injest to the Spleen and the "impure" down to the Large Intestine. The Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body.
Research on Huang Qin
Flavones isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis root exhibit strong neuroprotective effects on the brain and are not toxic in the broad range of tested doses.1
Baicalein, one of the important Scutellaria flavonoids, was shown to have cardiovascular effects in in vitro.2
Scutellaria has demonstrated anxiolytic activity in humans.3
Sources:
1. Gasiorowski K, Lamer-Zarawska E, Leszek J, Parvathaneni K, Yendluri BB, Błach-Olszewska Z, Aliev G. (2011). Flavones from root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi: drugs of the future in neurodegeneration? CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. , 10(2):184-91.
2. Huang, Yu; Tsang, Suk-Ying; Yao, Xiaoqiang; Chen, Zhen-Yu (2005). "Biological Properties of Baicalein in Cardiovascular System". Current Drug Targets. 5 (2): 177–84. doi:10.2174/1568006043586206.
3. Wolfson P, Hoffmann DL (2003). "An investigation into the efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers". Altern Ther Health Med. 9 (2): 74–8. PMID 12652886.
