Scutellaria Root

황금 (黃芩) · Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

Heat-clearing, dampness-drying herb Cold Bitter Lung, Stomach, Gallbladder, Large Intestine

NatureCold

TasteBitter

MeridiansLung, Stomach, Gallbladder, Large Intestine

Part usedRoot

FamilyLamiaceae

CategoryHeat-clearing, dampness-drying herb

Find by concern: Chills Diarrhea Boils

Overview

Scutellaria root is one of the most enduring heat-clearing herbs in East Asian medicine, its old alternate name "rotten intestine" (腐腸) referring simply to the hollow, decayed-looking core of the aged root — not its action. The Donguibogam already distinguishes two grades by shape, a distinction still used by herb graders today.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性寒, 味苦, 無毒. 治熱毒骨蒸, 寒熱往來, 解熱渴. 療黃疸, 腸澼泄痢, 痰熱胃熱, 利小腸. 治乳癰, 發背, 惡瘡, 及天行熱疾.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is cold, its taste bitter, and it is non-toxic. It treats heat-toxin bone-steaming fever and alternating chills and fever, and relieves heat and thirst. It treats jaundice, dysentery-type diarrhea, phlegm-heat and stomach heat, and benefits the small intestine. It treats breast abscess, back carbuncles, malign sores, and epidemic febrile disease.

Traditional functions

Clears heat, drains fire
Dries dampness
Resolves toxin
Cools blood

Traditional applications

Fever with alternating chills
Jaundice
Damp-heat diarrhea or dysentery
Breast abscess and boils

Traditional preparation

Decoction 4–12g; wine-fried for upper-body use, plain-fried for lower-body use per traditional practice.

Cautions

Caution: Cold and drying; not suited to cold-deficiency of the spleen and stomach or to those without heat signs. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Why was scutellaria root once called "rotten intestine"?

The Donguibogam explains this old alternate name (腐腸) comes from the hollow, decayed-looking core of the aged root — a description of its appearance, not a warning about its action.

What is scutellaria root's main traditional use?

Clearing heat, especially fever with alternating chills and heat-toxin conditions — the Donguibogam also records it for jaundice, damp-heat diarrhea, and breast abscess.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.