Huang Qin
English Name: scutellaria, Chinese/baikal skullcap root
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Scutellariae
Medica Category: Heat-Clearing and Dampness-Drying Herbs
Properties: Huang Qin enters the Lung, Gallblabber, Stomach, and Large Intestine channels; it is bitter in nature and cold in temperature
What is Huang Qin?:
The Chinese Herb Huang Qin (also known as scutellaria or baikal skullcap root) comes from a bushy perennial that grows 1-2 feet tall and blossoms with beautiful purple flowers. The roots are harvested in the spring or autumn after the plant has matured (3-4 yrs. of age) and either dried or stir-fried in grain-based liquor for use as medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Huang Qin:
Huang Qin is widely used in formula for its ability to clear heat, dry dampness, and eliminate toxins in a multitude of clinical presentations (some examples of which include damp-heat jaundice, dysentery, sore throat, toothache, painful urination, cough producing yellow sputum, high fever, infections, etc…).
Huang Qin is known for its anti-bacterial effects and is used in/added to many formulas for this purpose as well.
Dry-fried Huang Qin is used to calm the fetus (when restless from the in the middle jiao).
Huang Qin stir-fried in grain-based liquor is used to clear Lung heat.
Huang Qin should be used with caution in people with Stomach qi and Kidney deficiencies.