Skullcap/Scullcap is a little blue flower with big benefits. It’s proven to fight inflammation and anxiety, and promotes a heart-healthy lifestyle by reducing cholesterol. It even has applications for people with severe allergies or who suffer from anxiety. If you’re looking for a new herb to add in to your daily regimen, Skullcap could be the perfect choice.
Insomnia
If you’re suffering from lack of sleep, trouble falling asleep, or early waking, it’s possible that the active ingredients in Skullcap could help. Skullcap has been used as a sleep aid for a long time. The same compounds that help to relieve anxiety also work to make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Skullcap contains a chemical called wogonin which acts as a sedative. Clinical studies have shown that it works in amounts of 7.5 – 30mg to relax individuals and help them fall asleep. Wogonin is just one of the many helpful compounds that can be found in Skullcap.
Anxiety
People who suffer from anxiety might be able to find help with skullcap, or a combination of herbal remedies containing skullcap. The same compounds that help people to fall asleep and stay asleep longer also relieve anxiety. If you suffer from mild to moderate anxiety and depression, Skullcap could be a good addition to your daily herbal regimen.
Baicalin is only one of the many compounds found in skullcap. The herb has been found, in clinical trials, to be useful in the treatment of anxiety.
Inflammation
If you have problems with inflammation and joint pain, Skullcap could be a big help. Some of the compounds found in Skullcap work as anti-inflammatory drugs to ease joint pain and inflammation. Skullcap has been used traditionally for thousands of years as a first-line treatment for arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
High Cholesterol
People suffering from high cholesterol should take a close look at Skullcap. Research has shown that Skullcap can reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase the levels of good cholesterol. It also promotes vein and artery health by acting as an anti-inflammatory, lowering blood pressure and easing the problems that accompany heart disease and hardening arteries.
Allergies
Even the most severe allergies can be treated with Skullcap, or a combination of Skullcap and other herbs. Skullcap has compounds that work a lot like Benadryl. These molecules, called antihistamines, are related to the chemicals that fight inflammation and ease anxiety. Skullcap is packed full of these beneficial antihistamines, and can be used to fight against hay fever or help to ease other seasonal allergies.
Aaron Phillips is a writer and journalist based in mid-Michigan. He has been writing for Smokable Herbs since January of 2014. Aaron has a long list of publications under his belt, and is currently working on a book series for Smokable Herbs. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook for updates.