Scutellaria baicalensis: Functions and Effects

Scutellaria baicalensis, as a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has functions of clearing heat, drying dampness, purging fire, and detoxification. It can treat various diseases caused by damp-heat, such as damp-warmth, summerheat-dampness, jaundice, diarrhea, and dysentery. Scutellaria baicalensis also has effects of stopping bleeding and stabilizing pregnancy, showing significant therapeutic effects on conditions such as bleeding due to blood heat, including hematemesis, hematochezia, and metrorrhagia, as well as restlessness of the fetus caused by fetal heat. Additionally, Scutellaria baicalensis has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and other effects, which can enhance human immunity and promote overall health. However, it should be noted that Scutellaria baicalensis has a bitter and cold nature and is not suitable for individuals suffering from cold-type cough, asthma, or phlegm syndrome due to lung coldness. It should also be used cautiously in cases of fetal restlessness caused by blood deficiency without heat. Scutellaria baicalensis holds extensive application value in the field of traditional Chinese medicine.