Skullcap Benefits Skullcap has been renowned for a number of medicinal properties. This herb is a powerful antioxidant and antihistamine, besides having antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, sedative and febrifuge properties. All these make the herbal tea prepared with skullcap leaves an effective remedy for a number of health conditions. It can be used to lower fever, and relieve fatigue and exhaustion. Today, skullcap is known mainly as a sedative. The Chinese skullcap has been used in traditional medicine for curing diarrhea, dysentery, urinary tract infection, abdominal pain, jaundice and gout.
The common skullcap is usually regarded as a tonic for the nervous system, and therefore is widely used to treat tension, anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy and seizures. Apart from these, this herbal tea may help to lower blood pressure, and relieve stress headaches, premenstrual syndrome, muscle spasms, convulsions, nosebleed, menstrual cramps, asthma and allergies. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, skullcap extract and tea may also help the patients of arthritis and gout.
Another important benefit of skullcap is that it can help to treat the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol and drug addiction.
Organic Skullcap, Lemon Balm and rosehips
Drink in sensible moderation.
TIP! Skullcap tea gives a nice relaxing feeling and can be used before sleeping or to benefit meditation. Because the herb does not alter the intellectual power or concentration, it can also be used to help reducing anxiety at exams. Furthermore skullcap can be used for a soothing the head if under pressure. It may also helps reduce monthly menstrual pains and complaints.
Skullcap tea - dosage
To make tea, take a teaspoon of skullcap herb (1 - 2 grams) and add sugar to taste. Drink 1 or 2 cups depending on the desired effect.
Note about excessive use.
This herbal tea can prove immensely helpful for invigorating and soothing the nervous system, and thus relieve anxiety, tension and several other nervous disorders. It can prove equally helpful for digestive disorders as well. However, excessive use can give rise to a number of health problems, for which this herb needs to be taken with caution. Therefore, it is advisable to take skullcap herbal extract and tea only under the supervision of a trained medical practitioner.
Skullcap Side Effects Its overconsumption is not recommended. If not taken with adequate care, this herbal tea can cause giddiness and confusion. Some other possible side effects associated with the intake of skullcap in high doses are, liver damage, stupor, and in extreme cases, seizures. Apart from these, allergic reactions can develop in individuals, allergic to skullcap herb. Such allergic reactions usually produce a number of symptoms such as, itching, skin rash or hives, and swelling of the mouth, lips and the throat. In the severe cases, one may also experience breathing difficulty. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid.
