Scutellaria likiangensis Diels
Aliases：Xiǎo Huáng Qín (literally "Small Scutellaria" — referring to its smaller size compared to the official Scutellaria baicalensis), Xiǎo Huáng Cén (literally "Small Huangcen" — a variant spelling of "黄芩" due to similar pronunciation/characters), and Xiǎo Huáng Qí (literally "Small Astragalus" — though Astragalus is a different herb, this name is used locally as an alias for Lì Jiāng Huáng Qín). These are all alternative names for 丽江黄芩 (Lì Jiāng Huáng Qín)， i.e., the dried root of Scutellaria likiangensis Diels.
Lì Jiāng Huáng Qín is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the root of Scutellaria likiangensis Diels, a plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It grows in sparse forests, thickets, or grassy slopes at altitudes of 2,500–3,100 meters.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat, removes toxicity, stops bleeding, and prevents miscarriage.
Indications
Menopausal metrorrhagia; threatened miscarriage due to internal heat; febrile diseases with fever; lung‑heat cough; enteritis and dysentery; hematemesis, epistaxis, and hematochezia; and heat strangury.
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial effects: The antibacterial activity of Lì Jiāng Huáng Qín is superior to that of the official Scutellaria baicalensis. Antimalarial effects: Extracts of Lì Jiāng Huáng Qín can serve as active ingredients for antimalarial drugs. Chemical composition studies: Thirteen compounds have been isolated from the 90% ethanol extract of Lì Jiāng Huáng Qín roots.
Ingredients
The root of Lì Jiāng Huáng Qín contains various chemical components, mainly including flavonoid compounds, etc. Its chemical composition is similar to that of Scutellaria amoena, but differs from that of the official Scutellaria baicalensis.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 3–9 g.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with Spleen‑Stomach deficiency‑cold. Pregnant women and those with a cold‑deficient constitution should use it under the guidance of a physician. It should not be taken for prolonged periods or in excessive amounts.
Selected Formulas
For menopausal metrorrhagia (empirical formula) Take Lijiang Huangqin (Scutellaria likiangensis, stir-fried with vinegar), grind into fine powder. Take 2 qian (about 6g) each time with boiled water, twice daily. For threatened miscarriage due to internal heat (empirical formula) Take 3 qian (about 9g) each of Lijiang Huangqin and Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), and 4 qian (about 12g) of Xuduan (Dipsacus asper). Decoct in water and drink.
Medicinal Parts
It is the dried root of Scutellaria likiangensis Diels, a plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
