What is skullcap and what are its effects?

The English name for glid herb, skullcap, sounds quite obscure. But this herb actually has pleasant effects. For example, it can improve your mood, help you fall asleep and even contribute to healthier blood vessels. Native Americans have used it for centuries as a remedy for all sorts of things. Now you do! Read here what health benefits skullcap can have and how to use it.

Skullcap gets its name from the shape of the flower. It does not necessarily resemble a skull … but rather what is called scutella in Latin: a saucer. The Latin name for skullcap is derived from this: Scutellaria galericulata. The plant is found mostly in the Americas, Europe and Asia. It is not a particularly striking little plant; you probably walk right past it.

We find this herb in various kinds of traditional medicine, such as the famous Chinese one. There it is called Huang Qin and used for all sorts of things. Diarrhea, insomnia, hemorrhoids, inflammation, high blood pressure: skullcap could cure it all, according to Eastern medicine.

The original inhabitants of North America also used skullcap medicinally. First, for alleviating some of the intense symptoms of rabies. Extreme panic and fear of water, for example, two well-known symptoms of this deadly disease. It was also prescribed for women’s ailments, from sore breasts to absent menstruation.

Interesting, how many ailments this herb are said to heal according to traditional healers. But what effects of skullcap have actually been proven?

Inflammation and cancer

Plants of the skullcap family are full of antioxidants. These are super-healthy compounds that clean up junk in your body that is invisible to the eye. Your cells experience damage from so-called free radicals – which skullcap protects you from.

Research suggests skullcap may play a role in reducing inflammation and growth of certain cancer cells, but more research is needed

The ultimate effect: lower inflammatory levels and less risk of cancer. The can possibly inhibit a variety of cancers, such as prostate, lung and breast cancer.

Most popular skullcap effect: resting

Skullcap has a calming effect, studies show. For example, people suffer less from anxiety symptoms after taking this herb. From restlessness, tension, insomnia to nervousness and depression, this plant can calm you in many ways. How this is possible? It seems that the neurotransmitter GABA is involved. This “brain messenger” calms your nervous system and thus literally makes you less nervous. And let’s face it, skullcap stimulates the production of that GABA! So as far as the calming effect is concerned, traditional medicine is right!

Skullcap effective against viruses and bacteria

Viruses and bacteria are all around us. If you want to arm yourself against this, then skullcap is a striking comrade in arms. The turns out for example, on a cellular level to protect you from our great global enemy COVID. Also, this herb makes you more resistant to various nasty bacterial infections.

Does skullcap have your interest because you are looking for rest and better sleep? Then we have some more tips for you:

• Valerian is an herb that helps you relax and can facilitate sleep.
• 5htp aids in mood and sleep.
• With gummies like the Daily Zen Gummies and Daily Sleep Gummies you can soothe yourself in delicious ways.
• Look at your habits and behaviors. Chances are you can already make a lot of improvements with healthier choices. This article will help you: 7 tips to break bad habits..

Are you taking medication? If so, ask your doctor if skullcap could be a smart and effective addition. Some medications, like skullcap, act on your GABA receptors – making it best not to combine the two.

Although Skullcap has promising properties, its use is not appropriate for certain vulnerable groups. People with specific health conditions or at certain stages of life should take extra care.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: There is insufficient research on the safety of Skullcap during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, it is not recommended to use this herb.
• Children and adolescents: Because the nervous system is still developing, it is wise to avoid using Skullcap in children and teenagers.
• People with liver or kidney problems: Skullcap contains bioactive compounds that may affect the liver and kidneys. People with liver disease or kidney disease should consult a doctor before using this herb.
• People taking medications: Skullcap may cause interactions with medications, especially sedatives, sleep aids, blood thinners and drugs that stress the liver. Always discuss with a doctor whether Skullcap is safe in combination with your current medication.

Important: Always consult a medical professional before using Skullcap, especially if you belong to one of the above-mentioned risk groups. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.