Does Chinese Skullcap Lower High Blood Pressure?

Chinese skullcap is an herb used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of allergies, liver disease, diabetes and epilepsy. Studies have shown that it reduces hypertension (high blood pressure) in animals and may do the same for humans.

Types

• There are two types of skullcap that should not be confused with each other. The first is American skullcap which is used as a relaxant herb for those suffering from anxiety. The other is Chinese skullcap which is used mainly as an anti-inflammatory herb.

Identification

• Chinese skullcap comes from the mint family. It is green, leafy and can have flowers on a single stem in the colors of blue and purple. The root of the herb is what is used in Chinese medicinal practices.

Features

• Chinese skullcap has multiple benefits as an herbal medicine. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-fungal and antiviral effects. These key properties make it useful in treating hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, infections and allergies.

Studies

• Several studies have been done on the use of Chinese skullcap as a medicinal treatment. These studies were performed in test tubes, animals and currently on cancer patients. In test tubes and animals it was found that Chinese skullcap reduced hypertension. The studies on the helpfulness of Chinese skullcap in cancer patients is ongoing.

Warnings

• Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding should not use Chinese skullcap. Always speak to your doctor before taking an herbal supplement or using herbs as alternative medicine. Chinese skullcap may interact with other drugs, especially sedatives, because of the sedative properties it contains.