Scutellaria indica
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.
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.
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · traditional-use context
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · traditional-use context- 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.
▲ ModerateStress & anxiety → - 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.
▲ ModerateImmune support →
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftVCultivation
Cultivation
How to grow Scutellaria indica for the first time
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
VIIDistribution
18 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
18 native · 0 introducedIXSpecimen 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.
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