Skullcap

Skullcap. It may sound like a nickname for a horror movie villain, but it’s actually a healthy herb of the mint family. From it’s anti-spasmodic benefits to mood enhancing capabilities – let’s find out the health benefits of Skullcap.

What is Skullcap?

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a perennial herb from the mint family and is native to North America.

Traditionally, Skullcap has been used to aid in many ailments from diarrhoea, kidney problems, high blood pressure, respiratory infections, inflammation and chronic pain.

Culturally, the Cherokee used Skullcap in the ceremonial transition of young girls into womanhood.

Let’s find out what the modern-day usage and benefits of Skullcap are.

What Are the Health Benefits of Skullcap?

Mood Improvement and Anxiety Relief

Traditionally the plant has been used as a sedative and treatment for sleeping disorders and anxiety. Today, Skullcap has been widely used to help with mental conditions as it is an effective remedy to boost mood and reduce stress.²Some studies found that people taking Skullcap for at least two weeks felt significant improvements in mood. Other benefits most often reported by people were feeling calmer, improved sleep quality, and the ability to handle stressful situations better.²Also, people experienced increased energy, focus, and feeling more relaxed.² According to some studies, the influence of Skullcap on the nervous system is due to its ability to stimulate gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that calms nerves.³

Anti-Tumour Effects

According to some findings, Skullcap root contains the flavones baicalin, wogonoside, and their aglycones baicalein and wogonin that are considered to be the major bioactive constituents responsible for anti-cancer effects.⁴

Some studies found that Skullcap extract is effective against cancer cells, including brain tumor cells, prostate cancer cells, head, and neck squamous cell carcinoma.⁵Other researchers show that aqueous extracts of Skullcap may suppress the growth of lymphoma and myeloma cells.¹Due to antioxidant properties, Skullcap protects cells from damage caused by free radicals which can cause a number of chronic diseases, including cancer.⁶

Hepatoprotective Benefits

Skullcap is helpful against liver problems like hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, and carcinoma. Baicalin, an important compound of the Skullcap plant, has protective effects on the liver.⁷This herbal remedy may prevent and reverse the activation of hepatic stellate cells and may help in the treatment of liver fibrosis.¹

Antibacterial Assistance

Many studies indicate that Skullcap has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties.

For example, Skullcap possesses significant antibacterial effects against many infections, including Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella anatum, and Staphylococcus aureus.⁸Additionally, extracts of Skullcap may enhance the antimicrobial activity of several antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, and penicillin.⁹Other studies found that baicalin in the composition of Skullcap has very good anti-HIV-1 activity. It is found that baicalin a compound of Skullcap may prevent the entry of HIV-1 into the cells and so prevent HIV infection. This finding has led to baicalin being adopted as one of the popular natural products for preventing HIV infection.¹⁰

Allergic Reaction Remedy

Some recent studies discovered that wogonin, a flavonoid compound in Skullcap, is beneficial in treating allergic reactions. This natural chemical has proved its effectiveness against inflammatory allergic conditions like allergic rhinitis.¹¹

Women’s Health Maintenance

Some research has found that Skullcap is an effective herbal remedy against amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) caused by stress as the plant acts as a pelvic relaxant.¹²

Is Skullcap Safe?

Skullcap should be avoided if you are pregnant or have liver disease. It is also best not combined with alcohol.

Always use with precaution and try in small quantities to see how your body reacts with the herb.

The many health benefits of Skullcap are obvious. From it’s benefits of relieving stress, being used for menstruation management or antibacterial assistance, the benefits are definitely worth trying.

Try Skullcap for yourself today to unlock your wellness.

Properties

Allergies¹¹
Anti-Bacterial⁸^,⁹
Anti-Inflammatory⁴^,¹¹
Anti-Stress²^,³
Antimicrobia⁸^,⁹
Antioxidant⁶^,⁷
Antiviral¹⁰
Anxiety²^,³
Blood Pressure – Reduction⁴
Brain Function / Neuroprotective²^,³
Cancer Prevention⁴^,⁵^,⁶
Constipation⁶^,⁷
Diarrhea⁶^,⁸
Immune Booster⁹
Insomnia & Sleep Support³
Kidney Support¹
Liver Health¹
Menstrual Bleeding Increase¹²
Mood Stabalising²^,³
Nervine²^,³
Pain Relief⁶
Prostate Support¹
Respiratory Support¹

References