Anxiety and anxiety disorders can cause profound impairment in your overall sense of well-being and affect your ability to function in daily life. While anxiety may be treated with medications, some people wish to avoid their potentially dangerous or undesirable side effects. Certain herbs, such as skullcap, may have beneficial effects on anxiety symptoms.
About Skullcap
There are two varieties of the herb skullcap. American skullcap is used by herbalists to treat anxiety disorders and ease nervous tension, while Chinese skullcap is used in traditional Chinese medicine for allergies, inflammation, headaches and other physical ailments, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. American skullcap has traditionally been used by Native Americans for its tranquilizing effects, according to author Donald G. Barceloux in his book, "Medical Toxicology of Natural Substances." American skullcap is reported to have sedative, relaxing effects that may provide benefits for people suffering from anxiety.
Anxiety Symptoms and Conventional Treatment
While everyone experiences anxious feelings from time to time, persistent, unexplainable symptoms of anxiety may indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder. There are several types of clinical anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Shared symptoms of these disorders include feelings of excessive worry, fear and tension. Sometimes, anxiety disorders can cause physical symptoms such as insomnia, changes in appetite, sweating or trembling. Clinical anxiety is typically treated with a combination of antianxiety medication and psychotherapy. Some people report adverse side effects when using these medications, including drowsiness, dizziness, stomach upset, nervousness, trouble sleeping or fatigue, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. In an effort to avoid undesirable side effects, many people turn to herbal remedies, such as skullcap, to alleviate their symptoms.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical studies confirming the benefits of skullcap for anxiety are limited. One article published in the July 2010 issue of the"British Journal of Wellbeing" reports that preliminary evidence suggests that skullcap may be a beneficial alternative treatment for anxiety. Additionally, a study published in the 2003 issue of the journal "Alternative Therapies In Health And Medicine" showed that skullcap has significant anxiolytic, or antianxiety, effects. Most of the evidence confirming the benefits of skullcap for anxiety is anecdotal. Skullcap can be used in dried herb or tincture form.
Considerations
Herbal remedies should be used at your own discretion. Consult your doctor prior to using skullcap. Do not stop taking prescription medication unless directed to do so by your physician. According to Drugs.com, although no reported adverse side effects are associated with skullcap, pregnant and nursing women should avoid its use. Skullcap may exacerbate the effects of other sedative drugs.
References
- "Medical Toxicology of Natural Substances"; Donald G. Barceloux; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skullcap
- National Institute of Mental Health: Mental Health Medications
- "British Journal of Wellbeing"; American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): An Ancient Remedy for Today's Anxiety?; Christine Brock et al.; July 2010
- "Alternative Therapies In Health And Medicine"; An Investigation into the Efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in Healthy Volunteers; P. Wolfson and D.L. Hoffman; 2003
- Drugs.com: Scullcap
