Skullcap

Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Apr 06, 2001 by Liz Swain

Baikal skullcap is also available in capsule form. Three capsules of the standard dosage may be taken for treatment of liver ailments and chronic inflammatory conditions.

The root of Chinese skullcap is usually decocted, but it may be fried dry and consumed for conditions such as diarrhea and urinary tract infections. The root can be cooked in wine to treat upper respiratory infections and redness in the face and eyes. A practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine can provide information about specific dosages.

Skullcap may be combined with other herbs such as oats or St. John's wort . It works well in combination with such sedative herbs as valerian, passionflower , and black cohosh. Skullcap is included among the herbal ingredients in a tincture that people take to quit smoking. Other herbs in this tincture include mullein, St. John's wort, and licorice.

Before beginning herbal treatment, people should consult a physician, practitioner, or herbalist. This is especially important when taking skullcap or Chinese skullcap because there is disagreement about whether these herbs are safe to use. Advocates of both remedies state that research conducted in China and Russia proves that skullcap is safe and effective. Skullcap has not, however, been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a process that involves research and testing. Until more is known, some experts advise that skullcap should be avoided on the grounds that it can cause liver damage.

That is also the position of Hepatitis Foundation International, which rates skullcap as toxic. That position that had not changed by May of 2000. It is also possible, however, that skullcap may have been mistakenly identified as dangerous. Tyler was among the herbal experts who pointed out that germander, a herb that causes liver damage, was found in the skullcap products taken by people who experienced liver damage. In addition, some supporters of skullcap maintain that prejudice against the herb stems from its previous use as a rabies treatment.

Skullcap is safe when taken in proper dosages.

Skullcap advocates state that the herb can be used safely for relieving conditions such as PMS. Some experts, however, recommend medical supervision when taking skullcap for medicinal purposes. That precaution is particularly important for pregnant women and those who are lactating. Skullcap may cause drowsiness, so the person taking it should not drive or operate heavy equipment.

Chinese skullcap should not be taken when a person has diarrhea or a deficiency of heat in the lungs.

Possible side effects include diarrhea, an upset stomach, and drowsiness. If the first two conditions occur, the person should reduce the dosage of skullcap or stop taking it. In addition, large amounts of the tincture may cause giddiness, twitching, and, in some cases, confusion.

There are no known interactions with skullcap. In traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese skullcap is said to offset the effects of some Chinese remedies. For this reason, it is important that persons using Chinese skullcap consult a traditional practitioner, as Chinese skullcap is usually given in combinations of herbs that are specific to each symptom.