Skullcap, Barbat

Sow seed indoors from early spring and transplant to the final growing position after the last frosts, or sow in late summer to overwinter in a greenhouse and plant out the following spring. The seeds need light to germinate, so sow on the surface of moist compost and press in gently without covering. Keep warm (ideally 18–22°C) and damp until germination, which typically begins within 2–3 weeks. Germination can be erratic and may continue for up to a month, so maintain even moisture throughout, taking extra care to prevent the surface from drying out as temperatures rise in late spring.

Once large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into individual pots and grow on in a sunny, sheltered position. Although the natural habitat of S. barbata is relatively warm and moist – and in theory it should be the least hardy of the skullcaps – we have found that it grows well in the heavier soils of Somerset and has survived some very cold winters outdoors. However, in frost-prone areas it may benefit from a winter mulch, and is likely to be happier in well-draining loamy soil. The main issue we have encountered is slug damage to the fresh spring growth, so keep an eye on this if slugs are common in your garden.

S. barbata grows to around 40 cm tall and produces violet-blue flowers throughout the summer. Harvest the aerial parts, including the flowers, in the second or third year of growth.

Scutellaria barbata has long been used to clear heat, resolve toxicity and invigorate blood circulation, with the aerial parts valued for dispersing stagnation and reducing swellings. In Chinese medicine it is prescribed for inflammatory conditions, infections and to support tissue repair after injury or surgery. Its use has expanded into modern herbal and integrative medicine for its potential anti-tumour, hepatoprotective and antimicrobial effects. The flavonoids, polysaccharides and diterpenoids in the plant contribute to its antioxidant and immune-modulating actions; clinically, Ban Zhi Lian is used to support the liver and lymphatic systems, reduce inflammation and promote healthy elimination of cellular waste. Energetically, it is cooling, slightly bitter and mildly dispersing — suited to patterns of heat, stagnation and toxicity rather than deficiency or cold.

Harvest Scutellaria barbata in late summer when the aerial parts are in full bloom. Cut the entire plant just above ground level and dry quickly. Once fully dry, store the leaves in airtight jars away from light. Once fully dried, it can be used in decoctions, tinctures, or powders. In TCM 9–30 g of dried herb is used daily. For tincture, use a 1:5 ratio in 40–50% alcohol. The fresh plant may also be juiced or infused for topical applications to support skin healing.

There are three main skullcap species used in herbal practice; American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) and Barbat skullcap (Scutellaria barbata). They all look quite similar with small blue-violet flower and distinctive ‘skullcap’ shaped seed pods, however they are all used very differently in herbal practice.

American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is the most commonly used in Western Herbalism. Native to damp meadows and woodland edges in North America, it is best known for supporting the nervous system—helping to ease anxiety, restlessness and muscle tension. Its aerial parts are harvested in flower and used fresh or dried to promote relaxation and better sleep.

Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), also known as Huang Qin in TCM, has a very different profile. Growing naturally on dry, sunny slopes in northern China and Mongolia, it is one of the major “heat-clearing” herbs of Chinese medicine. The root is the part used, valued for its strong anti-inflammatory, antiviral and allergy-modulating properties. It is especially useful for hot, irritated conditions of the lungs, gut and liver.

Barbat skullcap (Scutellaria barbata), or Ban Zhi Lian in TCM, comes from the warmer, wetter regions of southern China and Southeast Asia. This species is traditionally used for clearing “toxic heat”—infections, abscesses, hot urinary complaints and inflammatory swellings. Both the aerial parts and root are used, and it is also known for its role in integrative cancer care due to its antiproliferative properties.

In summary, although closely related, these three skullcaps are used for quite different purposes: lateriflora for calming the mind and easing tension, baicalensis for cooling and soothing inflammation, and barbata for clearing heat and tackling more intense infectious or toxic states.