Skullcap is one of the most alluring supplements in the herbosphere, having a background in traditional medicine in both the United States and China. Before we go further, it’s important to note that this is because there are two different species of Skullcap: American and Chinese. The two are not interchangeable and are prescribed for their potential effects for different conditions. Both, however, are useful and may be something you would like to try for yourself.
What is Skullcap Tea: The Two Varieties
American Skullcap tea is generally used for its apparent calming effect. The results of the linked study are a bit perplexing but seem to suggest that any benefit from American Skullcap may be felt after only two weeks of regularly consuming American Skullcap tea. Because this study was small, it will be the job of larger studies to determine if Skullcap performs better than placebo in large groups, though the linked study indicates that this is the case.
Chinese Skullcap tea has been prescribed for a range of maladies. Several studies indicate that Chinese Skullcap has some potential benefits, such as support for a healthy brain and general organ health. In fact, these apparent effects are better established than those of many other popular herbs, with the potential for benefits not here named.
Skullcap tea is made from the dried roots of both Skullcap species. As the effects are different for both varieties, make sure you understand which one you are getting.
Choose Skullcap Tea Over Anything Else?
People who use herbs get used to the idea that herbs are not pharmaceutical drugs. Synthetic drugs tend to be fast-acting. They pack a punch, and very often once you’ve taken one you can observe the effects in a few hours or days.
Herbs tend to be more subtle, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that their cumulative effects are any less useful. Healthy people are wise to consider the wide range of potential benefits of both American and Chinese skullcap tea. In some cases, incorporation of this tea into a daily diet may be considered ideal when seeking to maintain health and wellness during normal aging.
Skullcap tea should not outright replace medications an individual is currently taking, without first speaking to a doctor, and users must take note of prescription drug side effects that may be increased when taking skullcap. In plain English, don’t take too much skullcap because you might get woozy, and watch out for this herb if you take sedatives because their effectiveness may combine and cause extreme drowsiness. Taking appropriate amounts of skullcap not in combination with other drugs, however, is less likely to cause unwanted side effects. If changes to health occur consult a primary care physician immediately.
How to Take Skullcap Tea
Natural Healthy Concepts sells a variety of skullcap products. Whether as an extract or dried root matter, these herbal supplements can be mixed with warm water and drunk as a tea. It is recommended to take the label dosage twice a day. Skullcap can be grown in home gardens, its roots harvested and dried, and used as a tea just the same way. In all cases, individuals are urged to pay attention to dosage and not try to get the effects all at once by taking a bunch in one sitting.
As you can see, skullcap is a medicinal herb with lots of potential effects that may provide the support you want during the day. Skullcap earns its spot in the American and Chinese traditional pharmacopeia, and it might be equally welcome on your tea rack. Try it yourself, pay attention to any apparent results, and see if Skullcap tea is right for you.
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I’m passionate about healing. I use food as medicine, a proven approach for healing from chronic disease. When you are tired of taking prescription medication or are ready to take a different approach to your health, let me teach you which foods can help you live a healthy life!
