Chinese skullcap is used as an adjuvant within the fight against pain, inflammation and a few varieties of infection. How is it used? We will let you know here.
Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is a herb belonging to Laminate family, the identical family to which the mint belongs. It can be often called “huang qin” or “fairy skullcap” and has a protracted history as a treatment in traditional Chinese medicine.
In particular, this plant is known for its high concentration of antioxidants, including flavones. It has two energetic substances, the so-called baicalin and Baikalwhich might be related to various positive health effects. Do you should know more about its uses and advantages? Read!
Composition and properties of Chinese skullcap
In traditional Chinese medicine, skullcap roots are utilized in traditional medicine Huang-qin. AND publication in Scientific Bulletin details that the Chinese have used this a part of the plant for over 2,000 years to organize various medicines.
It is often utilized in decoctions or tinctures because it is claimed to retain lots of its properties. More specifically, it concentrates a wide range of phytochemicals, amongst which flavones (baicalin and wogonosid) and aglycones (baicalein and wogonin) stand out.
This composition is related to antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Therefore, the plant and its derivatives are used to treat diarrhea, bleeding, inflammation and respiratory infections.
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Uses and advantages of Chinese skullcap
In the system of traditional Chinese medicine skullcap uses are largely supported by anecdotal evidence. To date, few clinical studies have evaluated the pharmacological potential of this plant.
Preliminary research suggests that this herb could also be a supportive agent for certain diseases. However, given the dearth of human studies, its use should only be supplementary.
Respiratory infections
Chinese skullcap has been used as a natural aid within the relief of respiratory infections. Its antiviral and anti inflammatory properties assist in controlling symptoms corresponding to congestion, coughing and shortness of breath.
In a randomized trial, described in the Archives of diseases in childhooda mix of herbs shuang huang lian – containing Scutellaria baicalensis amongst its ingredients – has shown positive effects within the treatment of acute bronchitis in children.
The principal effects were as follows:
- Fever relief
- Cough reduction
- Shortening of hospital stay
- Control of wheezing and chest symptoms
Neuroprotective potential
In China, skullcap is used as a memory and learning stimulant. Consuming the plant and its derivative supplements is related to improved cognitive function. However, for now, there are only animal studies.
Mouse research, provided by Neurological Lettersfound that one in all the antioxidants in Chinese skullcap, baicalein, has neuroprotective effects and reduces the chance of cognitive decline and Parkinson’s disease. The researchers suggest the necessity for further research.
Prostate health
Popular literature indicates that skullcap may reduce the chance of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In fact, the Chinese population consumes the herbal complement and infusions of this plant as a safety measure for prostate care.
Therefore, A a mouse study revealed by Journal of Ethnopharmacology discovered that Chinese skullcap root extract inhibits abnormal androgenic events in prostate tissue, which prevents the occurrence of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
In turn by American Cancer Research Association, it was found that the plant also has anticancer potential against prostate cancer. However, it is a little-explored area.
Chinese skullcap, although utilized in traditional medicine, shouldn’t be the primary selection drug within the case of prostate diseases.
Mood
Skullcap is assessed as a “nerve restorative” and sedative plant helps to scale back nervousness, anxiety, stress and depression. Baikalone in all its principal energetic compounds is related to these effects.
Other possible uses of the Chinese skullcap
Despite the dearth of scientific research, Chinese skullcap it has many other uses in traditional medicine. There is insufficient evidence for the next applications:
- Arthritis
- Epilepsy
- Hepatitis
- Atherosclerosis
- Cirrhosis
Risks and contraindications
For most healthy adults, Chinese skullcap is protected and well tolerated. May cause drowsiness although this often occurs at high doses.
Excessive consumption may result in hepatotoxicity and pneumonia. It is completely needed to follow the dosage suggested by the manufacturer of the complement.
However, because of the dearth of research on the plant’s safety, its consumption needs to be avoided in the next exceptional cases:
- Changes within the liver
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Pre-existing conditions corresponding to diabetes and hypoglycemia
- Treatment with benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants and medicines for insomnia
Suggested presentations and doses
Skullcap is obtainable in capsules, tea, extracts and tinctures. There isn’t any exact information on the suitable dose.
That is why it’s so essential to read the product label rigorously. It is commonly really useful:
- Infusion: 2 or 3 cups a day. It is ready with 5 grams of the plant per 250 milliliters of water
- Tincture: 20 to 40 drops per 120 milliliters of water, 3 times a day
- Tablets or capsules: 2 per day (may vary by manufacturer)
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What to recollect in regards to the Chinese skullcap
Chinese skullcap is kind of valued in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant potential. Consuming the plant alone or in the shape of herbal supplements has been used as a complement to enhance mood, reduce respiratory infections and protect the prostate.
However, the dearth of scientific research limits its therapeutic use. For the time being, it shouldn’t be the drug of first selection if there’s a suspicion of a disease. In fact, it’s endorsed to make use of it under the supervision of a conventional Chinese medicine specialist to forestall any problems and make sure that you employ it appropriately.
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