Radix Scutellariae
Source
Root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, family Labiatae.
Characteristics
Root irregularly conical, sometimes twisted, 8-25 cm long, 1-3 cm in 
diameter,
surface deep yellow or brown, the upper part coarse and with reticular
fibrous bundles and twisted vertical striae, the lower part with more
straightly vertical striac and scattered with a few fme root scars. Section
yellow, red-brown at the center, and the old ones showing brown-dark,
rotten or hollowed. Prepared as small pieces. Bitter in taste, cold in
nature, and attributive to lung, gallbladder and large intestine channels.
Indication
1. Clear away heat and deprive dampness from the middlejiao: For diarrhea,
dysentery and jaundice of dampness type, dampnes~heat diseases in summer,
stranguria of heat type, and prurigo of dampnes~heat type. Recently, also
used for acute biliary infection.
2. Purge the sthenic fire and detoxify: For dyspneic cough due to lungheat,
pharyngitis, skin infection, bum, and seasonal febrile disease. Recently
baicalin is used for epidemic B encephalitis.
3. Purge the sthenic fire to stop bleeding: For heat-syndrome with hematemesis,
hemoptysis, hemafecia or epistaxis.
4. Clear away heat to prevent miscarriage: For excessive fetal movement
due to heat-syndrome in pregnancy, usually used together with Rhizoma
Atractylodis Macrocephakie.
5. Lower the blood pressure: For hypertension, especially those with flushed
face, restlessness and red tongue with yellow coating.
Pharmacological
Action
1.
Possessing a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic and virustatic effect.
2. Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory.
3. Intravenous injection or oral administration of its decoction can lower
typhoid vaccine-induced fever in rabbits.
4. Hypotensive.
5. Acting as a chologogue and relaxing the spasms of small intestine.
Administration
Decoction: 3-9g.
Tablet (containing baicalin 250mg): 2-3 tablets tid.
Ampoule (containing baicalin 6Omg in 2 ml): 1-2 ampoules IM 1-2 times
daily, or 8-20 ml in 10% glucose 500 ml IV for drips daily.