Skullcap is a flowering perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family of mints. This plant, Scutellaria lateriflora, can be found in damp environments in North America.

Skullcap goes under several names, including blue skullcap and mad dog. Both of them mention a hardy plant of average size that blooms at the bases of its leaves on the main stem in shades of blue or purple.

Even if other species go by the name “skullcap” and even have characteristics identical to it, the blue skullcap is preferred since it has the most applications and potent chemical components.

Skullcap contains a variety of phenolic compounds and flavones that have a wide range of health advantages and affect the body in a variety of ways. Native Americans have long used the herb in traditional ways. For some medical disorders, American skullcap extracts are also beneficial.

Although plants and herbs have been used for healing the body for ages, it’s important to remember that they can create allergic reactions and that it’s not always known how they will mix with other supplements or pharmaceuticals.

It would be recommended to stay away from skullcap if you are expecting or nursing. Before using it, talk to your doctor.

Herbs should be taken cautiously and under a doctor’s supervision.

It’s crucial to remember that there was a time when Germander, a group of plants that may cause liver issues, was present in American skullcap. To prevent this, make sure the skullcap you buy is 100% pure and comes from a reputable supplier.

There have been rumors that wearing a skullcap may have caused a few unusual cases of liver damage. However, the majority of cases included patients who were taking various herbal drugs, so it was unclear how exactly skullcap caused the liver injury.

People with liver issues should refrain from using skullcap, despite the fact that researchers think liver damage from the herb is uncommon and that modest symptoms typically go away quickly once use is stopped.

Blood sugar levels dropping as a result of Chinese skullcap have been linked to an increased risk of hypoglycemia. Chinese skullcap should be avoided if you have diabetes. Speak to your doctor.

7 Health Benefits of Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

1. Anticancer

According to research, skullcap extract is toxic to cancer cells, including cell lines of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, and brain tumors. According to studies, aqueous extracts prevented lymphoma and myeloma cells from proliferating.

These anticancer actions, which ultimately stop the growth of the disease, are thought to be caused by certain flavones, and antioxidants found in plants. This might occur as a result of the free radical scavenging properties it possesses, which stop viral infections.

The effects of the skullcap extract on fibrosarcoma, a connective tissue cancer that has a high rate of metastasis, revealed potential anticancer properties.

Apoptosis-based therapy considerably slowed the growth of cancer cells, and both the size and mass of tumors were significantly decreased. The plant may be used as a natural cancer treatment because it seems to have assisted in halting the growth and migration of cancer cells.

2. Reduces Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory activities of Chinese Scutellaria are quite potent. Many people who have inflammatory bowel disorders and arthritis are known to use skullcaps as a home treatment.

A study that was released looked at specific herbs’ capacity to safeguard brain cells. Researchers discovered that ginkgo Biloba, skullcap, Chinese cinnamon, and Korean rhubarb were followed by ginger and turmeric extracts that had the strongest protective effects.

Researchers concluded that these particular herbs could be valuable sources for finding possible all-natural Alzheimer’s disease medication candidates.

3. Aids Shut-Eye

In addition to helping patients with insomnia and other sleeping issues like restlessness, muscle tightness, and clenching the jaws, skullcap may also reduce anxiety.

According to studies looking at the usage of herbal remedies for insomnia, plants including passion flower, lemon balm, and skullcap are frequently used to promote restful sleep. Before bed, a skullcap tea or tincture may be helpful to promote relaxation, prevent anxiousness, and provide you with much-needed rest.

4. Reduces Risk of Heart Disease

Baicalein, which is derived from the roots of the skullcap plant and has been shown in recent research to have cardioprotective properties, may support heart health.

Isoproterenol (ISO) was administered to the subjects, causing an abrupt myocardial infarction. Higher levels of the antioxidant defense enzymes were found as a result of pretreatment with baicalein, which significantly reversed the ISO-induced changes.

Overall, the study showed that baicalein has cardioprotective properties, supporting the idea that pretreatment may be able to stop various heart disease conditions like myocardial infarction.

5. May Treat Epilepsy

According to research, Ayurvedic methods and remedies utilizing herbal medicines, like skullcap, may be effective in treating epilepsy.

A basis of honey and herbal ghee was used to blend 18 therapeutic Ayurvedic herbs. According to reports, this herbal concoction reportedly helped relieve the negative effects brought on by epileptic patients by tremors, muscle spasms, nerve-related symptoms, and headaches.

6. Reduces Anxiety

Skullcap tea is a well-liked remedy for hormone balancing since it encourages endorphin release and generally improves mood. Perhaps all you need is a simple cup of this tea if you are always tense and feel worked up for no apparent reason.

Due to their abundance in antioxidant molecules, phenolic compounds can have a variety of effects on the balance of our hormones. There are numerous plants, including saw palmetto, that can ease tension and anxiety.

7. Removes Toxins

Skullcap tea might be the answer if you’re seeking a way to detox your body and improve your general health. Skullcap has been linked to an increase in antioxidant activity in the liver, one of the organs that recovers slowly.

This effect can greatly increase the effectiveness of your liver. As a result, general health and wellness are enhanced by lowering toxin levels in the body and blood.