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| Chinese Scullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) |
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 Chinese Scullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) Common names: Baikal scullcap, Golden root |
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| Chinese scullcap has been used in connection with the following conditions: Bronchitis, hay fever, hepatitis and hypertension. Historical or traditional use. Chinese scullcap is typically used in herbal combinations to treat inflammatory skin conditions, allergies, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and high blood pressure. Active Constituents: The root of Chinese scullcap contains a flavonoid substance, baicalin, that has been shown to have protective actions on the liver. Anti-allergy actions and the inhibition of bacteria and viruses in test tube studies has been documented with Chinese scullcap. Studies suggest that Chinese scullcap may help people with acute lung, intestinal, and liver infections, as well as hay fever and hypertension. How much is usually taken? In traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese scullcap is typically recommended as a tea made from 3–9 grams of the dried root.4 Fluid extract is used in the amount of 1–4 ml three times per day.5 Are there any side effects or interactions? Use of Chinese scullcap in the amounts listed above is generally safe. The safety of Chinese scullcap during pregnancy and lactation is unknown. |
 American Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) Parts used and where grown: Scullcap is a member of the mint family. Scutellaria lateriflora grows in eastern North America and is most commonly used in United States and European herbal products containing scullcap. The aerial part of the plant is used in herbal preparations. It is not interchangeable with Chinese scullcap. Scullcap has been used in connection with the following conditions: Anxiety, insomnia, pain,.nervous tension, headaches and muscle aches caused by tension, convulsions, drug or alcohol withdrawal, symptoms of premenstrual syndrome aggravated or caused by stress, rheumatism. Historical or traditional use: As is the case in modern herbal medicine, scullcap was used historically as a sedative for persons with nervous tension and insomnia. It was, and continues to be, commonly combined with valerian for insomnia. It was also used as a remedy for epilepsy and nerve pain. Active constituents: One of its constituents, scutellarian, has been shown to have mild sedative and antispasmodic actions. How much is usually taken? Scullcap tea can be made by pouring 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water over 1–2 U.S. teaspoons (5–10 grams) of the dried herb and steeping for 10 to 15 minutes; this tea may be drunk three times per day. Caution... May cause stomach upset or diarrhoea. Skullcap may cause drowsiness. Do not operate a car or heavy machinery after taking it. Large amounts of the tincture may cause confusion, giddiness, twitching, and possibly, convulsions. Use skullcap in medicinal amounts only under professional supervision. The information presented in here is for informational purposes only. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Chinese Scullcap image with background removed Click Here |