What is skullcap extract good for?
The name skullcap refers to the flower’s resemblance to helmets worn by European soldiers. Skullcap was used formerly for nervous disorders, including hysteria, nervous tension, epilepsy and chorea. It is now used largely as a sedative and sleeping pill, often in combination with other herbs such as valerian. American Skullcap is good for nervous fear, restless sleep, spasms, inability to pay attention, dull frontal headaches, nervous stomach, exhaustion, weakness after illness. Improves mood without being a sedative. It is a nervine and antispasmodic 8-11.Its combined antispasmodic and nervine effects are very beneficial when stress is causing muscle spasms, nervous tics, rigidity and muscle pain. Combined with other herbs, skullcap relieves nerve pain.Other evidence indicates that baicalin, wogonin, and baicalein may have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, liver-protective, antianxiety, insomnia, and antihypertensive effects. Chinese skullcap contains antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals that can cause chronic health conditions.During trancework, journeying, and astral projection, Skullcap helps keep the spirit secured to the body so that it is able to find its way back after the journey. The herb can also be used to help people ground in any situation, but especially post-meditation or after waking up from an intense dream or nightmare.
Does skullcap make you sleep?
RELAXATION SUPPORT: Chinese Skullcap has been traditionally used for thousands of years to help calm the nerves. This premium formula may support relaxation and help you get a good night’s sleep. A skullcap tea or tincture could be useful before bed to help you relax, ward off anxiety and give you some well-deserved and much-needed sleep.
How does skullcap affect the brain?
Skullcap works by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain, enhancing the effects of this inhibitory neurotransmitter to regulate neural activity and induce calmness. Skullcap might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking skullcap with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Who cannot take skullcap?
Even so, people with conditions that affect liver function should avoid this plant altogether. Chinese skullcap has also been associated with lung complications and can interact with many common medications, such as: blood thinners. At least one case of acute liver failure has been reported with skullcap, but there have been no instances of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis or vanishing bile duct syndrome linked to skullcap administration.Skullcap is Native American plant, the dried leaves and stems of which are used as an herbal medication and in teas to treat anxiety, stress and insomnia. Skullcap has been linked to several instances of clinically apparent liver injury, but usually in combination with other botanicals.Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: There are no known contraindications for breastfeeding and pregnancy. As per trusted herbalist Richard Whelan, skullcap is very safe to use, even in high doses, for the young and old, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Does skullcap increase GABA?
In the 2010s, more human clinical studies into skullcap occurred, showing its ability to increase mood while reducing anxiety by stimulating GABA. Skullcap significantly enhanced global mood without a reduction in energy or cognition (9).