What are the medicinal properties of skullcap?

What are the medicinal properties of skullcap?

It has been used for more than 200 years as a mild relaxant and as a therapy for anxiety, nervous tension, and convulsions. Studies show American skullcap has significant antioxidant effects, and may help protect against neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, and depression.

What is the active ingredient in skullcap?

Three flavonoids have been identified as the major active components of skullcap: baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin. Each of these active components is known to have physiological effects as well as cytotoxic or side effects when used at high concentrations.

Is skullcap safe to take daily?

Although supplementing with skullcap may provide health benefits, it may not be appropriate for everyone and may cause serious side effects in certain cases. For example, American and Chinese skullcap is associated with liver damage and even liver failure in some people.

What does skull cap tea do?

Introduction. Skullcap is Native American plant, the dried leaves and stems of which are used as an herbal medication and in teas to treat anxiety, stress and insomnia. Skullcap has been linked to several instances of clinically apparent liver injury, but usually in combination with other botanicals.

When should I pick my skullcap?

Harvesting American Skullcap Plants: Once your skullcap is in bloom, you can harvest the plant. I like to cut the whole plant down about 3 inches above the ground. You can use skullcap flowers and leaves either fresh or dried. I hang my skullcap up in a dark, dry location (my closets or pantry) to dry completely.

How big does skullcap get?

8-18 inches tall
Average height is 8-18 inches tall and and 24-30 inches wide. But it can grow wider if you let it.

How do you identify a skullcap?

Skullcap has violet-blue, tube-like flowers that have two ‘lips’ and sit in pairs in the leaf axils (where they join the stem). They have square stems and oval leaves, with toothed margins, that appear in opposite pairs. The closely related Lesser Skullcap has pink flowers.

What part of skullcap do you use?

Once the skullcap herb plant is in bloom, harvest the aerial parts 3 inches (8 cm.) above the ground for use as a strong tea, tincture, or liniment. As with most herbs, the skullcap herb plant may be used fresh or dried.