Health Benefits of Skullcap
November 13, 2009
Skullcap is a prominent herb used for centuries for calming the mind. The botanical name of skullcap is Scutellaria lateriflora. It is also known as hoodwort, Virginian skullcap and blue skullcap. This native herb of North America belongs to the mint family. The aerial parts of the skullcap plant are often used for making herbal tea. Decoction prepared with the root of the herb is used for treating several illnesses. Although skullcap is used for treating various ailments, overuse of this herb could be harmful for the body.
Good for the nervous system
Skullcap is extensively used as a tranquilizer. This herb helps to calm the mind and relax the stressed muscles. Skullcap is combined with valerian to produce a strong sedative. This herb helps to relax the entire nervous system. This herb is effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and stress. Folk healers prescribe skullcap for treating depression, fatigue, panic attacks and headache. In traditional medicine, skullcap is used for treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy and convulsions.
High blood pressure remedy
In traditional Chinese medicine, skullcap is used for treating hypertension. By promoting blood circulation in the brain, skullcap could reduce the risk of stroke.
Treatment for arthritis
The anti-inflammatory property of skullcap is effective in treating arthritis. This herb could reduce inflammation of joints. Anxiety and stress could worsen the symptoms of arthritis. By relaxing the nerves and overworked muscles, skullcap could further improve the symptoms of arthritis.
Premenstrual syndrome remedy
Skullcap is recommended by folk healers for treating the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Menstruation pain could be healed with skullcap. This herb promotes menstruation. This property of skullcap makes this herb unsuitable for pregnant women.
Throat infection remedy
Skullcap is used for treating throat infection. It acts as an antihistamine, can reduce coughing, and helps to dissolve mucus congestion.
Fever treatment
This herb is used by folk healers for reducing high fever.
Rabies treatment
Before the discovery of rabies vaccine, skullcap was used by folk healers in North America for treating rabies. Hence, skullcap is also known as mad dog weed.
I always liked Valerian for helping me to sleep, didn’t know that about Skullcap.
Your posts are awesome, especially when you teach me something that I didn’t know!
Thank you.