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Focus on Herbs: Skullcapby Kathleen Boehning In the mint family, skullcap grows throughout the Northeast in rich woods and moist thickets. It is fairly easy to cultivate. Traditionally a noted tranquilizer, its name is derived from a Latin word, scutella , which means "a small dish," so named because of the shape of its calyx. Chinese physicians found it helpful in treating convulsions, while in the 1700s it gained notoriety in America as a cure for rabies or hydrophobia. By the 1900s skullcap was a popular cure for insomnia, malaria and its accompanying fever, and delirium tremens brought about by alcoholism. In the 1940s, the FDA stated that skullcap probably has no worthwhile benefits, discounted its medicinal properties and considered it to be useless. Because there was skepticism about its ability to cure rabies, there wasn't much interest in it as a remedy for other conditions, either. European and Russian scientists have been able to verify the validity of skullcap as an effective tranquilizer. James Duke, PH.D, co-author of Peterson's Guide , says that it is the flavonoid scrutellarin that has been proven to have the sedative as well as anti-spasmodic effects. It is purported to induce sleep with no unpleasant side effects. According to Vermont naturopath Mary Bove (in her Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants ), skullcap is very helpful for the overtiredness of children who exhibit nervous excitement and restlessness, as well as those who have been diagnosed as hyperactive. She recommends adding it to the children's bath to help lull them into readiness for sleep. Bove also recommends it for coughs that result from an annoying tickle in the throat. Japanese studies have suggested that skullcap may be effective in lowering cholesterol, thus preventing some types of heart disease. There has also been research by the Chinese that shows the potential for the herb to treat hepatitis. Steven Foster, in his Herbs for Your Health, states that Chinese skullcap (S. Baicalensis ) has been shown in numerous studies to be effective in inhibiting bacteria and viruses, lowering fevers and reducing blood pressure. Chinese skullcap has also been shown to block the inflammatory effect of the COX-2 enzyme. Skullcap's positive effects extend to the following conditions:
o Cramps and menstruation It seems animals may benefit from skullcap, too! Juliette de Bairachi Levy, in her Herbal Handbook For Farm and Stable , includes it in her "Materia Medica." She cites it useful for hysteria, fits, meningitis, nervous spasms and gastroenteritis, as well as for lack of appetite and sterility. Proper dosages may be important with skullcap, although it is generally a safe herb. High doses may cause confusion, twitching and giddiness. It should not be administered to children under two years old; and if diarrhea or stomach upset occurs for older users, it should be discontinued. Before extended use, it may be wise to consult with a doctor. There are no known side effects of skullcap. Overdose of the tincture can cause giddiness, stupor, confusion or may cause the tremors that the smaller doses cures. It may potentiate anxiety drugs. Foster says reports of liver toxicity were related to consumption of skullcap that was later found to have been adulterated by germander (a species of mint). The Coop carries skullcap as single and combination tinctures and capsules, in tea and loose in the bulk herb section. Some products worth noting include: o Herb Pharm has a restorative nerve tonic called Avena/Skullcap Compound , which is used for a number of nerve depleted states, but can be particularly helpful for those giving up a drug dependence, whether it's coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, or heroin. Their manual says it can be helpful for the tremors of MS and Parkinson's, as well as epilepsy. o Herbs For Kids' Valerian Super Calm, as well as the valerian-free Chamomile Calm (10% of people have the opposite effect of valerian, leaving them more restless and sleepless then they started out). It's also in their St. John's Wort Blend , which is for the sadness children may experience after some disappointment, loss or failure. o Skullcap is also in Gaia's Melissa Supreme, as well as Herb Pharm's St. John's Wort/Kava Compound . Skullcap Soother Infuse 1 to 2 teaspoons of skullcap in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep up to 15 minutes. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup and/or mix with other herbal beverages. Drink up to 3 cups per day. Lynne Latella contributed to the research for this article. |
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