The benefits and effects of Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap) are mainly seen in clearing heat and drying dampness, among other aspects.

Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap) is the dried root of the plant Scutellaria baicalensis in the Lamiaceae family. It is one of the traditional Chinese medicinal herbs commonly used in China and is mainly produced in several northern provinces. Its root is mostly conical in shape, with a brownish-yellow outer skin and a yellow cross-section; the center of old roots tends to become hollow and decayed, which is why it is also known by different names such as "kuqin" and "ziqin".

In traditional Chinese medicine theory, Scutellaria baicalensis is cold in nature and bitter in taste, and it enters the lung, gallbladder, spleen, large intestine and small intestine meridians. Its effects are mainly clearing heat and drying dampness, and purging fire and removing toxins, and it is also traditionally used in combinations for stopping bleeding and calming the fetus. It frequently appears in formulas for regulating common conditions such as lung-heat cough, damp-heat diarrhea and dysentery, and sore and swollen throat, and it is also included in classic formulas such as Xiaochaihu Tang and Huanglian Jiedu Tang.

In terms of composition, Scutellaria baicalensis contains flavonoids such as baicalin and baicalein, which is one of the reasons this medicinal herb has drawn considerable attention. Besides being decocted as medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis is also processed into various forms such as decoction pieces and extracts for use in the production of Chinese patent medicines, and it is likewise used in some herbal tea formulas and personal care products.

For daily use, it should be noted that Scutellaria baicalensis is cold in nature, so people with weak and cold spleen and stomach, or who are prone to diarrhea, should not take it in large amounts over the long term, and pregnant women and those with special constitutions should consult a doctor first. In addition, closely related varieties and adulterants of Scutellaria baicalensis are not uncommon on the market, so when purchasing it is advisable to use proper channels, and decoction pieces with thick, firm roots and a bright yellow cross-section are preferred.