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Helmet herb

Skullcap is a plant whose parts growing above the ground are used to make medicine. Skullcap is used for many different ailments, but so far there is not enough scientific information to say whether it is effective for any of them. Helmet herb is used for sleep problems, anxiety, stroke and paralysis caused by a stroke. It is also used for fever, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, epilepsy, nervous tension, allergies, skin infections, inflammation and cramps. Helmet herb products do not always contain what is stated on the label. The plants gamander and teucrium are often undesirable ingredients in skullcap products that are not listed on the label. In addition, you may think you are buying Scuttelaria lateriflora, the species that has been studied for medicinal use, but the product contains other species of skullcap that contain other chemicals.

How does skullcap work?

The chemicals in skullcap may work by preventing inflammatory swelling. Other chemicals contained in skullcap are believed to cause sedation.

How effective is skullcap?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of skullcap for anxiety. There is limited evidence to suggest that healthy people who take a single dose of skullcap extract feel more relaxed. This effect appears to last for 2 hours. However, it is not known whether skullcap is effective for anxiety disorders or whether prolonged use is beneficial. There is also insufficient scientific information on the effectiveness of skullcap for seizures, sleep problems and strokes. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of skullcap in these applications.

Safety and side effects

There is not enough information to say whether skullcap is safe and harmless or what side effects it may have.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of skullcap during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using skullcap.

Interactions

At present, there is no information on interactions between helminth herb and medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of skullcap depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to be able to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for skullcap. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Gafner S, Bergeron C, Batcha LL, et al. Inhibitor of [3H]-LSD binding to 5-HT7 receptors by flavonoids from Scutellaria lateriflora. J Nat Prod 2003;66:535-7.
  2. Wolfson P, Hoffmann DL. An investigation into the efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers. Altern Ther Health Med 2003;9:74-8.