Scullcap

For an herb known to have calming effects, skullcap has caused considerable controversy. One respected herbalist calls the blue flowered North American herb “perhaps the most widely relevant tranquilizer” in medicine. On the other hand skeptics dismiss it as “nearly worthless and essentially inactive.” The truth is that skullcap seems to have some scientific support to its healing abilities.

For centuries, Chinese physicians have used skullcap as a tranquilizer sedative and a treatment for convulsions. Asian skullcap is one of the most widely used plants in Chinese herbal medicine. It is prescribed for viral infections, including the flu and hepatitis, bacterial infections, fever, and high blood pressure. It was also used in America for insomnia and nervousness, and as a treatment for malaria, convulsions and the delirium tremens of alcoholism.

Scullcap Uses

American scientists believe skullcap is all but useless. But, European and Russian studies have shown that skullcap has usefulness as a tranquilizer and sedative. The herb is an ingredient in many European over the counter sleep medicines.

Japanese researchers have discovered that the Asian species of skullcap has anti-inflammatory properties. They have also demonstrated that skullcap increased levels of good cholesterol (HDL). As HDL level increase, the risk o f heart attack decreases. This would suggest that skullcap may help prevent heart disease and strokes in humans.

Chinese doctors have claimed to have treated hepatitis successfully with the herb. It’s too early to claim skullcap can cure this serious liver disease but the herb deserves further research in this area.

Scullcap Dosage Recommendations

For a tranquillizing tea, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain. You can drink up to 3 cups a day, but skullcap tastes bitter. Add honey, sugar, or lemon to improve the flavor.

Scullcap Safety

There are no reports of toxicity from skullcap tea, but large amounts of extract can cause confusion, giddiness, twitching, and possibly convulsions. The FDA lists skullcap as an herb with undefined safety. Pregnant or nursing women should not take skullcap. If you’re an adult not taking any other sedatives, skullcap is safe, especially in tea form.

If you are looking for a little added help in overcoming your insomnia, scullcap tea may do the trick. Stay away from the extract until more research is done just for safety’s sake. Speak to your health professional about using scullcap as a treatment for high cholesterol or hepatitis. You should not abandon your current treatment plan for a primarily herbal one. But, herbs can be integrated in a holistic approach to returning the body to its normal state.