Chinese or Asian skullcap is a plant native to China and Russia, and is a member of the mint family. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and should not be confused with American skullcap (S. latiflora) or European/Greater skullcap (S. galericulata), which have very different action and uses. The root of Chinese skullcap is used medicinally.
Medicinal Properties of Chinese Scullcap
It contains various flavanoids including baicalin, which has antioxidant protective effects on the liver. It also contains tannins and volatile oil. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-microbial.
Chinese Scullcap Herbal Remedies
Historically Chinese Scullcap has been used to treat a number of conditions including:
Allergies
Bronchitis
Epilepsy
Hayfever
Hepatitis
High cholesterol
HIV
Infections of lung, liver and digestive tract
Skin inflammation
Other Chinese Scullcap Information
The dried herb can be infused to make a herbal tea and taken up to three times per day. Tinctures, capsules and tablets are also available.
Side Effects of Chinese Scullcap
Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied and should therefore be avoided.
At the time of writing there are no well known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications.
Tags: Allergies, Bronchitis, Cholesterol, Epilepsy, Fever, Hayfever, Hepatitis, HIV, Infections, Inflammation, Lactation, Liver, Skin
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