NATURAMEDICIN HERBARIUM
Baikal skullcap
Blue-violet flowers, with the real interest underground.
On a sunny hillside, its blue-violet flowers and narrow leaves catch the eye. In Chinese herbal tradition, however, people have mainly turned to its root, known as Huang Qin. Skullcap brings together the story of a striking flowering plant and its less visible underground part.
DISCOVER THE PLANT
From the plant to the root
Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) belongs to the mint family. For herbal use, attention centres on the root and its characteristic flavonoids. One of the best known is baicalin.
From Siberia and the Far East
Skullcap's natural range includes parts of Siberia, Mongolia, China and other areas of the Far East. It grows on sunny, grassy slopes. From June to August, it produces clusters of blue to reddish-violet flowers; it is also cultivated in Europe.
The root known as Huang Qin
In Chinese tradition, skullcap root is often combined with other herbs. The flowers help identify the plant, while the root is the part used in herbal preparations. Related skullcap species are not automatically interchangeable.
What is baicalin?
Baicalin is a naturally occurring compound in the group of flavonoids. Current research also explores skullcap in relation to joint problems; however, some studies concern combinations with other plants. These findings cannot establish the effect of skullcap on its own or promise the same outcome with a different formula.
When to seek advice
If you take statins, medicines that affect blood clotting or other regular medication, first discuss the suitability of skullcap with your doctor or pharmacist. For some possible interactions, the evidence is still mainly laboratory-based and cannot be used to work out a safe combination at home.
NATURAMEDICIN
Baikal skullcap in EQINIL
EQINIL contains an extract of Baikal skullcap root. Discover the purpose of the complete formula, its ingredients and recommended use.
A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Follow the recommendations and warnings for the specific product.