Skullcap Benefits

The skullcap herb (Scutellaria lateriflora) has long leaves, tube-like flowers, and stands at 45-50 cms. This plant is called by several other names like helmet flower, blue pimpernel, and the like. It grows in wet and moist lands, requiring an alternating climate of shade and sun. The herb is an extremely popular food supplement because of the varied benefits that it provides.

The skullcap extract is believed to have a relaxing effect on the nervous system and thereby helps to curb anxiety and stress. It is useful for several ailments of the nervous system.

Skullcap benefits women's health in very many ways. It helps reduce the anxiety and irritability that come with PMS and menstruation. Along with that, the native American tribes used it as a popular emmenagogue agent to induce blood flow in young girls. It was also used to bring out the placenta after childbirth.

The herb also works as an anti-inflammatory agent and thereby benefits in the usage against arthritis, asthma, allergies, coughing, and other conditions.

The skullcap also helps in maintaining great heart health. This it does by increasing the levels of good cholesterol, decreasing the possibility of heart attacks, decreasing the levels of triglyceride and increasing the HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) levels.

This herb is used in the treatment of several diseases like schizophrenia, rabies, insomnia, treating symptoms of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), chorea, and epilepsy among others.

Skullcap herb is well-known for its sedative-like effect and was primarily used as a tranquilizer. It also acts as an anti-spasmodic and in that way is a great tool for treating headaches and migraines. It also helps to lower the body temperature that a fever leads to.

• It is used for the treatment of a hangover and for hiccups.
• It promotes bile flow and therefore, acts as a natural diuretic.
• It also helps to reduce mucus congestion.
• It is used in the treatment of certain conditions like mild Tourette's syndrome, fibromyalgia, and anorexia nervosa.

It is important to know the right dosage that needs to be administered when using the skullcap herb, so that the benefits can be reaped. The leaves and flowers of the skullcap herb are the main parts of the plant that are used to get the maximum effect. They are collected when the plant flowers.

The leaves and flowers are dried and then consumed in any of the following forms―teas, capsules, powders, or tinctures. Given below is the dosage in which the skullcap herb should be taken in the different forms.

2 capsules, 2-4 times a day.

Always start with a low dosage to see if you are responding well to it. Start with ¼ teaspoon or 1 teaspoon, 2-4 times a day. If you notice results increase the dosage gradually.

Add 1 teaspoon of skullcap powder to a cup of water and bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for 15 minutes. Drink this concoction in the way of 1-3 cups a day for long term effects and about 3-6 times a day for immediate effects.

The best way to avail the skullcap benefits is to use it in the form of skullcap tea, but it is readily available as supplements and capsules. So you could try brewing the tea or simply ingest a pill. Even if it is a herbal medicine, some people might experience some side effects. So always make sure to consult your doctor before starting any course.

Disclaimer - This story is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.