What is skullcap tea used for?
Introduction. 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. It has a bitter aftertaste and to enhance its flavor when using it for tea, combine skullcap with chamomile, peppermint, and similar herbs. Because skullcap is a comforting herb, it’s also recommended to be used in combination with herbs known to promote relaxation such as hops and valerian root.Chamomile, passion flower, lemon balm, and skullcap pair nicely together and have a pleasant taste. Passion flower works well with chamomile given that it calms a busy mind. It is a gentle sedative. The skullcap is a nervous system restorative which helps nourish the body in a relaxing way.
Who should not drink skullcap tea?
Skullcap precautions 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. This versatile herb can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or supplement. To prepare as a tea: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried skullcap herb to the boiling water. Cover and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.Therapeutic Dosages When taken by itself, the usual dosage of skullcap is approximately 1 to 2 grams (g) three times a day. However, skullcap is more often taken in combination with other sedative herbs, such as valerian, passionflower, hops, and melissa officinalis, also called lemon balm.Skullcap is a comforting herb. It is used to promote emotional well-being and relaxation during times of occasional distress. No known precautions. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
What not to mix with skullcap?
Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Skullcap. 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. Mild Sedation: While Skullcap’s calming effects can be a pro, they may also be a con for some. When mixed with cannabis, particularly indica strains, Skullcap can make you feel overly sedated.In reducing feelings of stress and nervous system overactivity, skullcap helps to bring the whole body, including the hormonal and reproductive systems into a state of balance, which, in turn helps to minimise the severity of emotional PMS and PMDD symptoms (4,6,13).