Skullcap is a delightful flowering plant with blossoms shaped like hoods that resemble the helmets worn by medieval soldiers. It is most well-known for its sedative properties but skullcap has many other health benefits. This perennial plant is part of the Mint family, grows to about 2-3 feet tall, and can be found in wet habitats. This plant thrives in more shaded areas, avoiding direct sunlight. Both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Native American cultures have long considered the skullcap herb to be a useful medicinal plant with a range benefits.
Skullcap has many health benefits including:
- Alleviate anxiety
- Balance hormones
- Decrease inflammation
- Lower cholesterol
- Reduce muscle spasms
Skullcap can be found in powder, liquid extract or tinctures, capsules, or tea. At Clair’s Teas of Joy we combine skullcap with chamomile and valerian in our Relax & Sleep tea. The skullcap is included for its ability to ease muscle tension and soothe anxiety. This calming skullcap tea will help those struggling with insomnia or anyone simply looking for a more restful night’s sleep. To learn more visit Clair’s Teas of Joy.
Reference:
- Lohani M, Ahuja M, Buabeid MA, Dean S, Dennis S, Suppiramaniam V, Kemppainen B, Dhanasekaran M. (2013) Anti-oxidative and DNA protecting effects of flavonoids-rich Scutellaria lateriflora. Nat Prod Commun. 2013 Oct;8(10):1415-8.
- Awad R, Arnason JT, Trudeau V, Bergeron C, Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Merali Z. (2003) Phytochemical and biological analysis of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): a medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties. Phytomedicine. 2003 Nov;10(8):640-9.