The most commonly used species of Skullcap, Scutellaria lateriflora and Scutellara baicalenis, grow in North America and Southeast Asia. Skullcap goes by a number of common names including Mad Dog, huang quin, Blue Pimpernel and Blue Skullcap. )Skullcap's healing benefits have been used in Chinese medicine for over 2000 years and by the Cherokee of North America.
Drinking Skullcap tea is an easy way to obtain its health benefits.
Plant Description
Skullcap is a perennial that grows up to four feet tall. It blooms multiple small flowers that are both blue and purple. The stems grow from a fibrous root system and produce ovate leaves. In North America, Skullcap grows in marshlands. Asian Skullcap prefers full sun and well drained soil.
Actions of Skullcap
Skullcap acts as an antioxidant, antihistamine, antibacterial and inflammatory modulator. It is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to clear heat and dry dampness. Skullcap contains tannins, volatile oils and flavonoids.
Traditional Uses of Skullcap
Herbal practitioners of the 19th century used Skullcap for ailments of the nervous system. The disorders included rabies, schizophrenia and epilepsy. The Cherokee also found uses for this herb. After childbirth, Skullcap was used to stimulate delivery of the placenta. It was also used to trigger the onset of menstruation.
Benefits of Skullcap
Today, Skullcap is often used for its benefits in stimulating and soothing the nervous system. It is beneficial in treating the physical and emotional effects of anxiety, muscle tension and menstrual cramps. It is used to help treat insomnia and when it is combined with chaste tree or false unicorn it helps relieve symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome. The inflammation modulating actions of Skullcap make it useful for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. It is beneficial for allergy and asthma sufferers. Asian Skullcap, Scutellaria baicalensis, is used in Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory conditions such as gout and redness of the eyes and face, digestive disorders like abdominal pain and diarrhea, and acute issues like colds and infections with fevers.
Possible Uses of Skullcap
Chinese Skullcap is being considered as a possible complimentary treatment for several diseases. It may benefit hepatitis patients, cancer patients, especially cancer of the bladder and liver, prevent heart disease and speed recovery from heart attacks.
Preparations of Skullcap
Skullcap can be taken in capsule form or as a tincture or tea. Capsules and tinctures can be bought at health stores. Capsules can also be prepared by filling empty capsules with the bulk powder of dried skullcap. Make Skullcap tea by pouring a cup of boiling water over 1 to 2 tsp. of skullcap leaves and allowing it to steep for ten minutes. Take Skullcap tea two or three times a day.
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