Skullcap Tea:Benefits and How to Make

Skullcap tea is an herbal beverage consumed around the world for a variety of natural health benefits.

What is Skullcap Tea?

Skullcap tea is a warm herbal brew made from the aboveground portions of the skullcap plant, scientifically known as Scutellaria laterifolia L. Despite the rather frightening name, this herb has been in use for generations, particularly in North America, where it is native. It has a range of properties, including sedative and anti-inflammatory, which make it very good for natural healing efforts. Some people blend this tea with other herbal teas to improve the flavor and increase the variety of effects.

There are some side effects, but generally speaking, when used in moderation, this tea is considered safe and effective. Skullcap comes in two very different forms – American and Chinese – and they have different active ingredients and health effects, so be sure you know which you are using – and why.

Skullcap Tea Benefits

The many benefits of skullcap tea include its effects on the following:

Inflammation
Allergies
Sleep disorders and anxiety
Cancer
Diabetes
Anxiety

As a sedative substance, American skullcap is known to be able to balance stress hormone levels and reduce anxiety, which is good for preventing chronic inflammation and disease. And drinking this tea will help relieve the symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Cancer

The antioxidants present in this herb and its tea can counter the free radicals that cause cancer, as well as slow the spread of cancerous cells that may already be present.

Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of this herbal tea make it a popular remedy for inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as arthritis, in addition to chronic inflammation conditions, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.

Insomnia

This herbal tea is regularly used at night to encourage healthy and restful sleep in those suffering from sleep disorders, such as insomnia.

Diabetes

While this herbal tea can help to regulate the level of blood sugar and insulin in the body, be careful of using this natural remedy if you are also prescribed medication for diabetes, as there can be interactions.

How to Make Skullcap Tea?

You can easily make skullcap tea at home, but again, be sure to use the correct proportions of either Chinese or American skullcap, as they are quite different.

Step 1: Bring a small saucepan of water to boil on the stove.
Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon of American skullcap (or 5 ounces of dried Chinese skullcap) to the water.
Step 3: Allow the herbs to steep for 4-5 minutes.
Step 4: Strain out the leaves and serve hot.
Step 5: Add lemon or honey for flavor, if desired.
Skullcap Tea Side Effects

There are some potentially worrisome side effects if you drink this tea in excesses, such as:

Seizures
Drowsiness or hypoglycemia
American skullcap is not only a well-known sedative but could also cause seizures in some people, particularly when consumed in large quantities. Chinese skullcap, on the other hand, has been linked to the following:

Dangerous drops in blood sugar
Stomach discomfort
American skullcap may also cause

Diarrhea
Heart arrhythmias or nervous anxiety
Speak to your doctor before using any form of skullcap tea.