Skullcap is a perennial flowering plant that is part of the mint family –Lamiaceae. This plant is usually found in the ground parts and is used in making medicines. Yes, this can be used as medicines. This actually helps in treating many conditions. That is not the only health benefits of skullcap –there are more to it. Actually, all of its health benefits are for the betterment of the health.
Moreover, the health benefits of skullcap include its ability in regulating as better sleep, balancing the hormones, and lowering the inflammation. Furthermore, it is also beneficial in soothing the nervous system, reducing anxiety, and preventing various types of cancer.
Skullcap: What is it?
The skullcap is actually the name of the plant that as stated above –Lamiaceae. Its scientific name is Scutellaria Lateriflora. Furthermore, the plant is native to the wet habitats of North America. It has a lot of names, including blue skullcap and mad dog. The term skullcap and the other terminologies for the plant actually describes a hardy and moderate size plant that has purple or blue flowers. Its flowers are from the base of the leaves on to its main stem. Even though some other species use the term skullcap, the blue variety of the plant the most sought after. This is even though the others have the similar properties, the blue one has the widest range of uses and has more chemical compounds.
The health benefits of skullcap are mainly because of the various flavones and phenolic compounds that are present in the plant. These may help in impacting the body in so many ways. Traditionally, the plant is used by the native Americans for centuries. In fact, the extracts of the American skullcap are even valuable for various health conditions.
Types of Skullcap
There are actually 2 types of the skull cap, and they are the following:
Chinese skullcap. This type of skullcap has been a great help in treating various conditions. In fact, it has an amazing effect in treating inflammation. furthermore, it also is effective in treating various types of cancer.
American skullcap. This is obviously, native to North America. They use this in treating anxiety and it also helps in promoting relaxation to the body.
Uses of Skullcap
The skullcap is sought after because of the following possible uses:
- Treatment for stroke
- Treat insomnia
- Treatment for seizures
- Treatment for anxiety
Health Benefits of Skullcap
Here are some of the best health benefits of skullcap:
Helps in preventing cancer. the Chinese skullcap, in particular, helps in inducing the apoptosis or the sudden death of the cells. Furthermore, the plant also has antioxidant compounds for cancer prevention.
Helps in maintaining a healthy heart. This benefit is done by reducing the cholesterol level in the heart. Furthermore, it also helps in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart attack, and many more illnesses from the heart.
Helps in managing diabetes. This one of the most amazing health benefits of skullcap. This is since the plant helps in increasing the insulin production through the pancreas. Moreover, it also helps in regulating the insulin levels of the body. Hence, managing diabetes.
Helps in removing toxins. If you want to detoxify your body while boosting your health, you can try the skullcap tea. This tea helps in increasing the antioxidant activity in the liver. Hence, significantly boosting the liver efficiency.
Helps in soothing the nervous system. If you are having a nervous condition, the seizure is a normal side effect. The skullcap may be beneficial in this certain condition –it helps in soothing the nervous system.
Helps in reducing pain. The skullcap has analgesic properties, meaning it may help in relieving the pain all throughout the body. This is partially by means of reducing the inflammation. furthermore, the skullcap may also help in rapidly healing bruises and scrapes. This is primarily because the skullcap is rich in flavones and phenolic compounds.
Helps in relieving anxiety. The skullcap tea may help in balancing the hormones in the body. This is by means of stimulating the endorphin-releasing and by generally balancing the mood. The phenolic acid present in the skullcap may have many effects on balancing the hormones.
Side Effects of Skullcap
Actually, there is no concrete information about the safety and side effects of the skullcap. However, here are some of the side effects that many people utter:
- You must not use or consume skullcap in whatever form it is when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This may affect your baby or even you. it is better to stay on the safe side than trying it out for yourself.
- The skullcap may have an effect in slowing down the central nervous system. Using or consuming the skullcap after surgery may have interactions. Also, they advise that you stop skullcap days before going on a surgery.
