Chinese skullcap is believed to be safe and well tolerated by adults. Side effects are few and may include drowsiness. People with diabetes should not take Chinese skullcap without consulting a doctor as it may lower blood sugar, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Is it safe to eat Chinese skullcap?
The Chinese skullcap root is usually decocted but it can also be fried or cooked whole to treat various disorders. Chinese skullcap is considered safe at therapeutic doses. The safety of this herb in women who are pregnant or nursing and small children is not yet established.
What is Chinese skullcap?
A member of the mint family, skullcap is rich in nutrients including antioxidants known as flavones that reduce the effects of oxidative stress on various tissues in the body. In particular, Chinese skullcap contains baicalin and baicalein, two compounds that have been studied for a wide range of healing properties.
Can Chinese skullcap extract help fight cancer?
May Help Fight Cancer Cells Research shows that Chinese skullcap extract is toxic to cancer cells, such as brain tumor cells, prostate cancer cells, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Studies indicate that aqueous extracts suppressed the growth of lymphoma and myeloma cells.
What are the side effects of Chinese skullcap?
Possible Side Effects. Chinese skullcap is believed to be safe and well tolerated by adults. Side effects are few and may include drowsiness. People with diabetes should not take Chinese skullcap without consulting a doctor as it may lower blood sugar, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
What is Chinese skullcap?
Can you take Chinese skullcap while pregnant?
Is skullcap a capsule?
Does Chinese skullcap help with BPH?
Does skullcap help with prostate cancer?
Is skullcap a good treatment?
See more
What are the side effects of Chinese skullcap?
Chinese skullcap has also been associated with lung complications, and other types — including the American variety — may cause side effects like irregular heartbeat, tics, anxiety, drowsiness, and mental confusion in some people ( 22 , 23).
Does Chinese skullcap damage liver?
Skullcap was traditionally used by Native Americans to treat anxiety, stress and insomnia. Chinese skullcap is a different species, but both are suspected of causing liver damage.
What is the difference between skullcap and Chinese skullcap?
Chinese Skullcap resembles American Skullcap, but it is a different plant. Its single stems bear a plethora of purple flowers all resembling medieval helmets, which is where the name "Skullcap" came from. Chinese Skullcap, Scutellaria baicalensis, is grown as a biennial on the farm.
What does skullcap do to the brain?
Also acts on calming (GABA benzodiazepine) brain signals and is anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant. Flavonoids baicalin, baicalein and scutellarin are key to anti-depressive effects and keeping inflammation at bay in a wide range of lab tests and are also key antioxidants, scavenging free radicals.
Can you take skullcap everyday?
Doses of American skullcap should be limited to no more than the package recommendation. Typical doses (see individual product information): Dried herb: 1 to 2 grams 3 times/day.
Does skullcap raise blood pressure?
Baikal skullcap might lower blood pressure. Taking Baikal skullcap along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low.
Is Chinese skullcap good for hair growth?
It stimulates the roots and improves scalp microcirculation working to reduce hair loss. This improved stimulation and circulation also helps to improve overall scalp and hair health, for visibly thicker, gorgeous strands.
How long does skullcap stay in your system?
This effect appears to last for about 2 hours. However, other early research shows that taking skullcap three times daily for 2 weeks does not reduce anxiety in healthy people.
Does skullcap increase estrogen?
Baikal skullcap might have some of the same effects as estrogen. However Baikal skullcap is not as strong as estrogen pills. Taking Baikal skullcap along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.
Does skullcap interact with any medications?
Sedatives -- Both American skullcap and Chinese skullcap can increase the effect of drugs that have a sedating effect, including: Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote) Barbiturates. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium)
Does skullcap make you sleepy?
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.
Is skullcap a stimulant?
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.
What is Chinese skullcap?
Trusted Source. ). What’s more, Chinese skullcap is purported to have antibacterial effects and is a component of an herbal mixture called Candbactin, a popular natural remedy used to treat intestinal bacterial overgrowth ( 8. Trusted Source. ).
What are the benefits of skullcap?
Skullcap has been linked to several other benefits, including: 1 Anticonvulsant effects. Orally supplementing with American skullcap has been shown to have anticonvulsant effects in rodents ( 15, 16 ). 2 Insomnia. Baicalin, a compound found in both American and Chinese skullcap, is used to treat insomnia in traditional medicine practices. However, research is lacking ( 17 ). 3 Neurodegenerative disease. Some test-tube studies suggest that American skullcap may have neuroprotective properties, potentially safeguarding against diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s ( 18, 19 ). 4 Heart health. In one animal study, baicalin injections significantly reduced damage associated with an induced heart attack ( 20 ).
What is the use of skullcap leaves?
The leaves of American skullcap have been used in traditional herbal medicine as a sedative and to treat conditions like anxiety and convulsions. The plant was prized by Native Americans for its powerful medicinal properties ( 3. Trusted Source. ).
How much skullcap should I take a day?
Skullcap dosage. Doses of skullcap generally range from 1–2 grams per day, usually in divided doses ( 23 ). However, dosage may depend on the type and form of this herb, so it’s best to check individual supplements for more information.
What is a skullcap?
Skullcap (sometimes spelled scullcap) is the common name for Scutellaria, a genus of flowering plants in the mint family. The name is derived from the Latin word scutella, which means “little dish,” as the small flowers of these plants have a dish- or helmet-like shape. Skullcap is not to be confused with death caps, ...
What is Huang Qin used for?
The dried roots of this plant have been used for centuries as a traditional Chinese medicine known as Huang Qin to treat diarrhea, insomnia, dysentery, high blood pressure, hemorrhaging, respiratory infections, and inflammation ( 1. Trusted Source. ).
Is skullcap a supplement?
Trusted Source. ). Both American and Chinese skullcap are available as supplements that can be purchased online or in health food stores. Other varieties, such as Scutellaria barbata, are also used in alternative medicine and have been studied for their potential health benefits. Skullcap is sold in capsules, powders, and liquid extracts.
Why is the American skullcap used?
For more than two centuries, American skullcap has been used by both Americans and Europeans as a nerve tonic to help treat anxiety. Research has shown that the plant contains “anxiolytic activity” in animals and humans.
What is the name of the skullcap?
Other popular names include scullcap, hoodwort, quaker bonnet, helmet flower, blue pimpernel, hooded willow herb and mad weed.
Does skullcap extract help with cancer?
Another study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine investigated the effects of the extract from skullcap on fibrosarcoma (a highly metastatic cancer of the connective tissue) and showed possible anticancer characteristics.
Is skullcap a medicine?
Types and Uses. Risks and Side Effects. Skullcap may sound like the hat you put on your head during the winter months, but in this case, it’s actually a medicinal plant that’s long been used for healing purposes, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Which herbs protect neuronal cells?
Researchers found that ginger and turmeric extracts exhibited the most protective effects, followed by skullcap, ginkgo biloba, Chinese cinnamon and Korean rhubarb.
Can you take skullcap while pregnant?
Plants and herbs have been used for centuries for healing the body, but keep in mind that they can cause allergic reactions — and how they interact with other supplements or medications may not be known. If you’re pregnant or nursing, it may be best to avoid skullcap.
Is Chinese skullcap toxic?
Research shows that Chinese skullcap extract is toxic to cancer cells, such as brain tumor cells, prostate cancer cells, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Studies indicate that aqueous extracts suppressed the growth of lymphoma and myeloma cells.
What is the purpose of Chinese skullcap?
Chinese skullcap holds a special place among traditional Chinese medicine remedies. It is claimed to relieve allergies, infections , and inflammation. It’s also popular for reducing hair loss and thought to relieve anxiety, although the evidence to support these uses is limited.
What is Chinese skullcap root used for?
TCM practitioners consider Chinese skullcap root a remedy for diarrhea, high blood pressure, insomnia, and gut and lung infections. In TCM and Japanse traditional medicine, it is almost always used as part of multi-herb formulations. In China, it’s even classified as a drug [ 1 ].
What are the active components of skullcap?
The main active components of skullcap are the flavonoids baicalin and wogonoside and their derivatives baicalein and wogonin. They all are found in high levels in the roots, whereas only trace amounts are found in the leaves and stem [ 1, 4 ].
What is the role of skullcap in Alzheimer's?
Skullcap prevented memory problems in mice with Alz heimer’s. It also reduced immune overactivation and inflammation in the brain cells caused by bacterial toxins ( LPS) [ 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 ].
How did skullcap get its name?
The plant gets its name due to the shape of its flower, resembling medieval helmets called skullcaps. Over 300 species of skullcap plants exist [ 1, 2 ]. The dried roots of the plant have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over 2,000 years.
Does skullcap help with allergies?
4) Allergies. Chinese skullcap’s active compound wogonin reduced the allergic response to mites in human skin cells. When injected into the skin of rats before exposure to an allergen, skullcap reduced the allergic response by decreasing levels of histamine and other inflammatory compounds [ 47, 48 ].
Does skullcap extract help gums?
A toothpaste with skullcap extract greatly reduced gum inflammation and plaque after 21 days in a study of 40 people [ 40 ]. In one cell study, skullcap prevented the growth of 8 out of 11 bacteria that cause gum inflammation [ 41 ].
Therapeutic Uses, Claims and Benefits of Chinese Skullcap
For more than 2000 years, Chinese skullcap (Huang qin in Chinese) has remained one of the most important medicinal plants in traditional Chinese herbal medicine.
Dosage and Administration
This root is mostly available in bulk powder form or as capsules. When using the capsule form then follow the manufacturer’s instruction.
What is a skullcap?
Skullcap is a term used to refer to two different herbs. American skullcap, or Scutellaria lateriflora, is an herb native to North America, and is used as a tranquilizer and sedative, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. Traditional Chinese physicians recommend Chinese skullcap, or Scutellaria baicalensis, ...
Can you take American skullcap while waking up?
American skullcap is a powerful sedative, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs." This herb may cause drowsiness 2. You should not take skullcap during waking hours, particularly if you plan to drive a car or operate heavy machinery.
Can Chinese skullcap cause stomach pain?
Chinese skullcap may cause stomach pains, and it could damage your spleen. American skullcap may cause feelings of giddiness or euphoria, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. You may also experience diarrhea or stomach upset when using American skullcap, notes Castleman.
Can American skullcap cause euphoria?
American skullcap may cause feelings of giddiness or euphoria, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. It may also cause arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. You may also experience diarrhea or stomach upset when using American skullcap, notes Castleman.
Does Chinese skullcap lower blood glucose?
The chemical compounds in Chinese skullcap may lower blood glucose, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. Low blood glucose, or hypoglycemia, may produce symptoms such as: Avoid Chinese skullcap if you have hypoglycemia or diabetes.
Does skullcap cause seizures?
Seizures. Concentrated amounts of the chemical compounds found in American skullcap may contribute to seizures, muscle twitches and convulsions, according to Castleman. You may have an increased risk of seizures if you use this herb in tincture form, which contains high amounts of these chemicals.
What is skullcap used for?
Skullcap is used for many conditions, but so far, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to determine whether or not it is effective for any of them. Skullcap is used for trouble sleeping ( insomnia ), anxiety, stroke, and paralysis caused by stroke.
How long does skullcap extract last?
This effect appears to last for about 2 hours. However, it is not known if taking skullcap is effective for anxiety disorders or if extended use is beneficial. Seizures.
How long before surgery can you stop taking skullcap?
Healthcare providers worry that anesthesia and other medications during and after surgery might increase this effect. Stop taking skullcap at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Is germander a part of skullcap?
The plants germander and teucrium are often unwanted and unlabeled ingredients in skullcap products. Secondly, you may think you are buying Scuttelaria lateriflora, the species of skullcap that has been studied for medicinal use, but the product may contain a different species of skullcap instead.
Is skullcap safe for breast feeding?
There is not enough information available to know if skullcap is safe to take for medical conditions. Special Precautions and Warnings. Pregnancy and breast -feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking skullcap is you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
What is a Chinese skullcap?
Chinese Skullcap resembles American Skullcap, but it is a different plant. Its single stems bear a plethora of purple flowers all resembling medieval helmets, which is where the name "Skullcap" came from. Chinese Skullcap, Scutellaria baicalensis, is grown as a biennial on the farm. Seeds are started in our greenhouse in early Spring ...
What is the name of the wildflower that is a scullcap?
American Skullcap. American Skullcap, Scutellaria lateriflora, is a perennial wildflower with buds reminiscent of Bluebells. It has a long history of use in Western herbalism and was once infamously referred to as the “Mad Dog” herb since it was used in pre-industrialized America to treat rabies in both humans and animals.
What is Chinese skullcap?
Chinese skullcap ( Scutellaria baicalensis) is an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. A member of the mint family, skullcap is rich in nutrients including antioxidants known as flavones that reduce the effects of oxidative stress on various tissues in the body. In particular, Chinese skullcap contains baicalin and baicalein, ...
Can you take Chinese skullcap while pregnant?
Side effects are few and may include drowsiness. People with diabetes should not take Chinese skullcap without consulting a doctor as it may lower blood sugar, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Skullcap should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Is skullcap a capsule?
Skullcap is available as capsules, tea, extract, and tincture. There is no recommended daily allowance for skullcap and there is not enough scientific evidence to determine an appropriate range of doses at this time.
Does Chinese skullcap help with BPH?
A 2019 study on rats found Chinese skullcap can inhibit the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by suppressing abnormal androgen and relieving inflammation. More research is needed before recommending skullcap in humans.
Does skullcap help with prostate cancer?
Prostate Cancer. Compounds found in skullcap may help slow the growth of prostate cancer tumors, suggests a 2005 study on mice. Skullcap was a constituent of the herbal formula PC-SPES, a dietary supplement that was taken off the market because some batches were found to contain prescription medications.
Is skullcap a good treatment?
Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend skullcap as a treatment for any condition. It's also important to note that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. If you're considering using skullcap for any health purpose, make sure to consult your physician first.
Does Chinese Skullcap Have Any Benefits?
Dosage and Preparation
- Skullcap is available as capsules, tea, extract, and tincture. There is no recommended daily allowance for skullcap and there is not enough scientific evidence to determine an appropriate range of doses at this time. Chinese skullcap is often combined with other herbs into a preparation. Follow dosing recommendations on the label.
What to Look For
- There are two varieties of skullcap on the market, Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) and American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). These are different plants with different purported benefit. Look for Chinese skullcap, which was studied in the research reported above. When selecting a brand of supplements, look for products that have been certified by Consumer …
Other Questions
- What does skullcap tea taste like? Although skullcap is a member of the mint family, it does not have a minty taste. Skullcap has a bitter, earthy taste. Many people use sweeteners with it to make it more palatable.
What Is Chinese Skullcap?
Health Benefits
Dosage & Forms
- Plants and herbs have been used for centuries for healing the body, but keep in mind that they can cause allergic reactions — and how they interact with other supplements or medications may not be known. If you’re pregnant or nursing, it may be best to avoid skullcap. Consult your doctor before using it. You should take herbs with care, under the s...
Side Effects & Safety
Reviews
- Note: All studies and health benefits refer to Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) unless stated otherwise.