Baikal Skullcap (root)

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi A perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family, up to 50 cm high. Scutellaria baicalensis is common in the steppes of Transbaikalia, Eastern Siberia, and the Far East. All the power of the plant is in the roots and above-ground parts - these are flavonoids scutellarin, vagonin and baicalin, glycosides, steroid saponins, essential oil, alkaloids, starch, tannins, resins. The content of active substances decreases during flowering and again reaches a maximum when the fruits ripen. Scutellaria baicalensis is mainly prescribed to regulate blood pressure. Scutellaria preparations dilate blood vessels, slow down the heart rate, eliminate headaches and insomnia, reduce blood pressure associated with atherosclerosis, prevent seizures, and inhibit the functional activity of the nervous system. Tincture of roots is used as a hypotensive and sedative for various forms of hypertension, cardiovascular neuroses, nervous system disorders, insomnia, strychnine poisoning, toxicosis during pregnancy. Tincture of skullcap is also used for increased excitability. Patients' sleep is restored or improved, pain in the heart disappears, headaches are significantly reduced. Skullcap preparations have a choleretic and laxative effect, so they can be used to treat the gastrointestinal tract and improve the liver. There are no side effects when taking the tincture, so it can be safely used for long-term treatment. Decoction of skullcap roots: 1 teaspoon of crushed roots per glass of boiling water, boil in a water bath for 10-15 minutes, leave for 1 hour, strain. Take 50 ml of infusion 3-4 times a day before meals. Contraindications: individual intolerance, pregnancy, use with caution in case of hypotension.