The skullcap herb, also called mad dog, madweed, the helmet flower and hoodwort, belongs to the Scutellaria plant species. While there are many skullcap varieties, the term generally refers to either American skullcap or Chinese skullcap. While related, these two herbs treat different health ailments and cannot be interchanged. Talk with your medical care provider before taking skullcap supplements.
Plant Characteristics
Skullcap plants belong to the mint plant family, called Lamiaceae, and earned their name because the flowers look like little helmets. American skullcap, or Scutellaria lateriflora, thrives in the wet meadows and woodlands of North America. This variety grows between two and four feet in height and bears tiny purple or blue flowers that bloom in July. The leaves are used to make liquid extract or powered supplements. Chinese skullcap, or Scutellaria baicalensis, naturally grows in China and Russia. Mature plants reach heights of about four feet. This skullcap variety features blue to light purple flowers that bloom from May through August. Chinese skullcap plants have yellow, fibrous roots that are ground to make herbal teas and powdered supplements.
History
The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, reports that Chinese skullcap has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, to treat headaches, allergies, inflammation and cancer. Native American cultures traditionally used American skullcap to help people relax and to stop convulsions. Purdue University's horticulture website explains that American skullcap was often used to trigger menstruation and to help maintain regular menstrual cycles. Some tribes used American skullcap in purification rituals if menstruation taboos were broken.
Uses
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, animal research indicates that Chinese skullcap might help reduce blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure levels and fight cancerous cells. More human research is needed, however. American skullcap acts as a mild relaxant and is often combined with other relaxing herbs to make natural sleep supplements. Purdue University reports that both varieties of skullcap herbs may also contain astringent, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
Benefits
Purdue University explains that Chinese skullcap might help treat patients with epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension and chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS. American skullcap might help you to reduce symptoms of nervous tension or anxiety. Purdue University's website adds that the American skullcap herb might also help those who are suffering from insomnia or drug withdrawal. Andrew Weil, M.D., reports that American skullcap might help to reduce the pain associated with menstrual cramps and tension headaches. Check with your doctor before taking Chinese or American skullcap to treat specific health problems.
Cautions
Purdue University warns that consuming too much of any skullcap herb might cause twitching, confusion, irregular heartbeat, seizures or giddiness. Because American skullcap can promote menstruation, do not take this herb if you are pregnant, since it may cause a miscarriage. The UMMC cautions you not to take Chinese skullcap if you suffer from diabetes, because it might cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels. Both Chinese and American skullcap varieties might increase the effects of tricylic antidepressants, barbiturates and anti-convulsants.
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