BAIKAL SKULLCAP - for cancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunoprotective, lowers BS & more

It is thought that the active chemicals in Baikal skullcap may be able to decrease inflammation, stop tumor growth, and prevent tumor cell reproduction. Baikal skullcap has been used as an antioxidant, immunoprotective, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, and to treat circulatory conditions. It is a plant that packs a lot of medicinal value into its small root system.

BACKGROUND / DESCRIPTION

Skullcap In 1973, 92 wooden tablets were discovered in a 2nd century AD tomb in northwestern China. Among other herbs, listed in prescriptions for decoctions, tinctures, pills, and ointments was Baikal Skullcap. The herb has a central place in Chinese herbal medicine at least since that time and is one of the main remedies for “hot and damp” conditions, such as dysentery and diarrhea.

Baikal skullcap is a Chinese medicinal herb used for to treat fevers, hypertension, coughing, and other ailments. It still is used today as a traditional remedy for “hot and damp” conditions such as dysentery and diarrhea. Among other items, Baikal skullcap is prescribed in China for “hot and thirsty” conditions such as fever, cough, GI, and urinary problems. Clinical trials suggest that these traditional uses are justified. Chinese herbal medicine also uses Baikal skullcap for inflammation, allergies, dermatitis, hyperlipidemias, and atherosclerosis. It is prescribed in China for hot and thirsty conditions such as high fevers, coughs with thick yellow phlegm, and gastrointestinal infections that cause diarrhea, such as dysentery. It is also given to people suffering from painful urinary conditions.

Baikal Skullcap has been extensively researched in China, and it is clear that it has a marked anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic action. This is largely due to the flavonoids. In common with other herbs that have significant levels of flavonoids, such as hawthorn, it is likely that Baikal skullcap may help venous problems and fragile capillaries.

Clinical trials suggest that Baikal skullcaps traditional use for high fevers and infections such as dysentery are justified. The herb may be useful for problems arising from diabetes, including cataracts.

In the light of recent research, Baikal skullcap is now used for allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, and nettle rash, although undoubtedly its anti-inflammatory action is most useful for digestive infections.

Baikal skullcap is a valuable remedy for the circulation. In combination with other herbs, it is used to treat high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, vericose veins, and easy bruising.

Applied to the skin, Baikal skullcap treats sores, swelling, and boils. It appears to be useful for circulatory problems that arise from diabetes.

Skullcap lateriflora is a close relative, being a Native North American remedy for anxiety or stress.

COMMON USES

Baikal skullcap can be taken as an infusion, a tincture, a decoction or tablets and capsules. It can be applied externally as a poultice. Tea can be made by adding 1 to 3 teaspoons of powdered root to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep this solution for 10 to 20 minutes. Drink 3 or 4 cups per day. For capsules, 3 capsules of the standard dosage can be taken per day for chronic inflammatory conditions and liver ailments - always be sure to have days without to avoid overuse. No matter how well an herb works for you, your body should always have variation and rest from any medicine or herb. Listen to your body, it will give you subtle hints as to specific needs.

The dried root is the part of the plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. Commonly used for:
- - Allergic Conditions - allergic and inflammatory diseases, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, inhibits prostaglandin production and histamine release
- - Blood Conditions - inhibits collagen and arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation
- - Cardiovascular Conditions - atherosclerosis, hypertension
- - Gastrointestinal Conditions - bacillary dysentery
- - Immune system Conditions - acute infections, autoimmune diseases, chronic infection, retro viruses, e.g. herpes, HIV etc.
- - Inflammatory Conditions - chronic inflammation
- - Liver Conditions - cholecystitis, hepatitis
- - Metabolic Conditions - cataract and diabetes complications
- - Respiratory Conditions - acute bronchitis, asthma, colds
- - Other - leukemia, scarlet fever, tumors
- - Externally - acne vulgaris, eczema, periodontal disease, and urticaria

For feverish chest colds, drink 1/3 cup decoction 3 times a day. Break fresh or dried root into small pieces. Place 20 g herb in saucepan. Cover with 750 ml of cold water. Bring to boil. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by about 1/3. Strain liquid through a sieve into a jug. Pour the required amount into a cup, the cover jug and store in a cool place. May be taken warm or cold.

For headache - decoct 15 g root with 10 g all-heal. Drink ˝ cup 3 times daily.

For hay fever, make tincture and take 40 drops with water 3 times daily. To make tincture, place broken herb pieces in a large clean glass jar and pour alcohol to cover well. Close and label the jar. Shake well for 1-2 minutes, then store in a cool dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily. After the 2 weeks are passed, pour mixture through a muslin or nylon mesh bag to filter, collecting liquid. Press herb to extract as much liquid as possible. Pour tincture into clean dark glass bottles. Cap tightly and label bottles.

Combine the herb with either passionflower or wild lettuce to counteract insomnia. When combined with ju hua (a type of chrysanthemum) it can lower high blood pressure. If added to goldenseal or other bitter herbs, it works to rid the body of extra heat.

Baikal Skullcap contains: Flavone glycosides, Baicalein, Baicalin, Wogonin, and flavones. These provide the following actions: anti-allergic, anti-bacterial, anti-coagulant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, bitter and cold (applied to bitter tasting drugs which act on the mucous membranes of the mouth and stomach to increase appetite and promote digestion), diuretic, sedative (mild), and vasodilator.

CULTIVATION / GROWING

Baikal skullcap is a perennial herb growing to 1-4 ft high, with lance shaped leaves and purplish-blue flowers. It is found in China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia naturally. It thrives on sunny grassy slopes and in open areas between 350 and 8000 ft above sea level. Baikal skullcap is propagated from seed sown in autumn and the root of 3-4 year old plants is harvested in autumn or spring. Easy to cultivate. Germinates in about 24 days. Prefers well-drained soil in the full sun. Cold and frost hardy. Space plants 12 inches apart. Average height is 12 inches tall. As the plants age they become wider, much like humans in middle age, but unlike humans, the seed they produce becomes increasingly viable the older they get.

MAGICAL / MYTHICAL USES

SKULLCAP is an herb of love ruled by Pluto and Saturn. SKULLCAP is used to bind oaths and consecrate vows and commitments. It may be used in Hand fastings, where both parties wish to make their vows to each other binding, or in rituals of initiation. For this purpose SKULLCAP may be worn, burned as incense, or used as an oil.

WARNINGS & endings....

Baikal skullcap may have the potential to cause cardiovascular and other negative estrogen-like effects.

Baikal skullcap should not be used by pregnant women since it can induce a miscarriage.

Baikal skullcap seems to be safe for most people. It may cause drowsiness, fever, lung inflammation, and liver problems.

Do not take Baikal skullcap if: You are pregnant or breast-feeding.- You have diabetes - or You have been told you have problems with the function of your stomach or spleen.

Taking large amounts of Baikal skullcap along with alcohol might cause too much sleepiness.

Can have interaction when taken with Lithium. Be cautious with this combination. Baikal skullcap might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking Baikal skullcap might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

Medications for diabetes may have interactions that require caution. Baikal skullcap might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking Baikal skullcap along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines) can have interactions. Baikal skullcap might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness and drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking Baikal skullcap along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.

Medications used for lowering cholesterol (Statins) can have interactions. Baikal skullcap might change the levels of statins in your blood. But there isn't enough information to know if this is an important interaction. Talk with your healthcare provider before using Baikal skullcap if you are taking medications used for lowering cholesterol.

As with any herb with strong medicinal qualities, it’s important not to overdue. Take in moderation, and never take continuously on a daily basis.

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Ah yes... and the legal disclaimer - don’t you hate these things? —> The information contained in this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. <– ok, that’s done, hope you find this article useful!!

Gail Ann(573) 470-5806spiritguidedhealer@gmail.com

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