What is skullcap extract 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. Overview. Indigenous americans and traditional european herbalists used skullcap to induce sleep, relieve nervousness, and moderate the symptoms of epilepsy, rabies, and other diseases related to the nervous system. In other words, skullcap was believed to function as an herbal sedative.In particular, skullcap contains baicalin and baicalein, two compounds studied for a wide range of healing properties. It also contains wogonin, shown in preclinical trials, to exhibit anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-convulsant properties.Anti-inflammatory Properties: Skullcap extract contains compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it useful in reducing inflammation associated with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Skullcap extract can also be used to soothe and calm irritated skin.Skullcap is a flowering perennial plant native to North America (Scutellaria lateriflora) used for centuries by Native Americans to treat menstrual disorders, nervousness, digestive and kidney problems.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.
Who should avoid skullcap?
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. It might cause side effects such as decline in memory or thinking skills, stomach pain, and sleepiness. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if skullcap is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Traditional Uses of Chinese Skullcap TCM practitioners believe it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and fight off infections.Chinese skullcap may lower blood sugar levels, raising the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Avoid Chinese skullcap if you have stomach or spleen problems. Chinese skullcap should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.Further studies showed antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Skullcap has also shown promise in cancer prevention due to its antioxidant properties. Skullcap has also shown promise as a supplement in treating patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s due to its neuroprotective qualities.Limited Research on Long-Term Effects: While Skullcap is generally considered safe and non-addictive, there is limited research on the long-term effects of smoking it, especially when mixed with cannabis.