Scutellaria indica
Scutellaria indica
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Pl. 439C — Scutellaria indica
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IOverview
Overview
Scutellaria indica, commonly known as Indian skullcap, is a perennial plant native to regions including Cambodia, China (South-Central and Southeast), Japan, Korea, Laos, Lesser Sunda Islands, Malaysia, Maluku, Myanmar, New Guinea, Philippines, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light soil types—ranging from sandy to heavy clay—and requires full sun exposure. It is known for its edible leaves, making it a useful addition to culinary practices within its native range. One distinctive feature of S. indica is its ability to grow up to 0.3 meters tall, contributing to its ornamental value in gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Scutellaria indica?
Scutellaria indica, commonly known as Indian skullcap, is a perennial plant native to regions including Cambodia, China (South-Central and Southeast), Japan, Korea, Laos, Lesser Sunda Islands, Malaysia, Maluku, Myanmar, New Guinea, Philippines, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
What is Scutellaria indica used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Scutellaria indica
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Scutellaria indica appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a decoction. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, Scutellaria indica has been used to support the immune system during colds and flu. It is often prepared as a tea or decoction.
The plant contains flavonoids like baicalein which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help modulate immune responses.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Scutellaria indica support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Scutellaria indica thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well as a perennial with a height of 0.3 meters. Hardy in zones 4-8, this plant can be propagated through division. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Scutellaria indica for the first time
8steps
Start with Scutellaria indica as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, a trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure it gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground after danger of frost is past or start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants when they have several sets of leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent legginess.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Scutellaria indica are edible and can be consumed fresh or used in various preparations. They are often eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The plant is hardy in zones 4-8 and thrives in moist, light to heavy soil, making it suitable for gardens with similar conditions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
18 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
18 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 18 native
Asia10 regions
native (10)CambodiaChinaJapanLaosMyanmarPhilippinesSouth KoreaTaiwanThailandVietnam
Broader regions
native:Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, New Guinea, Sulawesi, Sumatera
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 439ce147-bf31-45ab-929c-b81cc53530f5
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