Skullcap Ointment Information

There are two different forms of skullcap available--American skullcap and Chinese skullcap--which have very different medicinal components. When choosing an ointment, read the ingredients to be sure you are getting the right herb to treat your condition. Before taking any herb or supplement, even in the form of external ointments, be sure to speak to your physician first.

History of Skullcap

There are two types of skullcap available. One is used in Western herbalism and the other in Traditional Chinese Medicine. These two plants have very different uses and are not interchangeable. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, American skullcap, or Scutellaria lateriflora, is native to North America and has been used for more than 200 years as a treatment for anxiety and nervous disorders. Chinese skullcap, or baical skullcap, has been in use for more than 2,000 years to treat conditions such as fevers, coughing and high blood pressure.

Description of Plants

American skullcap is a member of the mint family and grows in woody areas where it is moist. It is a perennial plant that grows upright to about 3 feet high with blue flowers. The leaves are commonly used for medicinal purposes. Chinese skullcap is also a perennial that grows from 1 to 4 feet high and has violet flowers. It prefers to grow in grassy areas of Japan, Mongolia, Russia and Korea that have full sun and have dry, sandy soils. The roots of this plant are used for medicinal purposes.

Uses for American Skullcap

In American herbalism, skullcap is considered a nervine, in that it works directly on the central nervous system. Herbalist Micheal Tierra suggests its use to ease anxiety and insomnia, and to create a sense of calm. He also recommends its use when dealing with symptoms associated with alcohol and drug withdrawals. Usually this herb is prepared as a tea, but it can also be found in extracts and ointments, probably due to its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Uses for Chinese Skullcap

Chinese skullcap is commonly used today in Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, as a treatment for allergies, inflammation, infections, relief of headaches and for cancer. It may also have anti-fungal and antiviral properties. A study published in the July 24, 2010, issue of "Cancer, Chemotherapy and Pharmacology," conducted by R. Enomoto, C. Koshiba, C. Suzuki and E. Lee, showed that a flavone found in Chinese skullcap, called wogonin, has anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties. TCM doctors normally prescribe this herb as a powder, but it is also available in ointments to treat a variety of skin disorders and inflammation.

Cautions

Neither skullcap variety should be used on children. American skullcap should not be used by pregnant or lactating women. There are no known interactions or side effects, though it is not well documented. Chinese skullcap is also not well documented, but adverse reactions include cardiovascular and negative estrogen-like effects. Normally, ointments will contain a combination of herbs, and each of those carry their own risks of interactions and side effects. You should always speak to your physician before using any herb or supplement, internally or externally.