Skullcap

For centuries, Chinese physicians have used Asian skullcap as a tranquilizer/sedative and treatment for convulsions.

Skullcap was first brought to the attention of physicians in the West in 1772 as a cure for rabies.  A new England physician claimed that his experiments proved the herb prevented and cured the much dreaded "hydrophobia."  Over the next hundred years, herbalists used skullcap as a digestive aid tranquilizer.

America's 19th-century Eclectic physicians recommended the herb primarily as a tranquilizer/sedative for insomnia and nervousness, and for treatment of "intermittent fever" (malaria), convulsions, and delirium tremens of advanced alcoholism.

Skullcap entered the U.S. Pharmacopoeia in 1863 as a tranquilizer.  It remained there until 1916, when it moved to the National Formulary, the pharmicists' reference, where it remained until 1947.

Contemporary herbalists recommend skullcap as a tranquilizer for insomnia, nervous tension, premenstrual syndrome, and drug and alcohol withdrawal.

Two Japanese studies showed skullcap increases levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins or HDLs).   As HDLs increase, the risk of heart attack decreases.  These findings suggest the herb may potentially help prevent human heart disease and some strokes.

Skullcap herb can also be used as a sleep aid. For more information on various herbs to help you sleep see this article: Sleep herbs