Valerian Root / Skull Cap

Valerian Root use for insomnia and nervous conditions has been common for many centuries. Valerian was traditionally used for epilepsy, sleeplessness, nervousness, hysteria, and as a diuretic and emmenagogue. It has been used for nervousness and insomnia in Ayurvedic medicine in India, and in traditional Chinese medicine. By the eighteenth century, this herb was an accepted sedative, and was also used for nervous disorders associated with a restless digestive tract. In the early part of the 19th century, Shakers grew Valerian as a principle cash crop. During World War I, Valerian was given to shell-shocked soldiers and stressed civilians. In Europe, Valerian is still the most common non-prescription sedative, where over one hundred Valerian preparations are sold in pharmacies. In Germany, it is used for unruly children. Valerian Root was a very popular sleep sedative in the United States until it was displaced by synthetic drugs after World War II. Clinical studies have shown that people taking Valerian Root had shown significantly improved sleep quality without morning grogginess. Some researchers have compared Valerian Root to benzodiazepines such as ValiumT. However, Valerian is a much milder and safer sedative. Unlike ValiumT, Valerian is not addictive or does not promote dependency. And Valerian's sedative effect is not significantly exaggerated by alcohol and barbiturates (unlike ValiumT), and also has not been linked to any birth defects (again, unlike ValiumT). Valerian is a smooth muscle and skeletal relaxant, as well as a premier sedative that aids in anxiety, stress and insomnia. The primary chemical constituents of Valerian Root include valepotriates, alkaloids, valerenic acid, essential oils, caffeic acid, beta-sitosterol, tannin, manganese, calcium, choline, and B vitamins. Valerian Root contains many different constituents, including essential oils that appear to contribute to the sedating properties of the herb. Central nervous system sedation is regulated by receptors in the brain known as GABA-A receptors. Valerian may weakly bind to these receptors to exert a sedating effect. Recent studies indicate that valepotriates and valerenic acid can bind to the same receptor sites in the brain as benzodiazepine drugs. It reduces hypertension due to stress and reduces pain from shingles. Experiments in Italy and Germany conducted for the past 15 years have found that valerian preparations are effective in treating children with psychomotor agitation (hyperactivity) and behavioral disorders. In fact, in these children, the preparation enhanced motor coordination and maintained reaction time, while calming anxiety and fears, curing restlessness and curbing aggression.

Skull Cap, also spelled Scullcap, is also known by the names Blue Skullcap, Blue Pimpernel, Hoodwort, Quaker Bonnet, Helmet Flower, European Skullcap, Greater Skullcap, American Skullcap, Hooded Willow Herb, Mad Weed, Helmet Flower, Quaker's Hat, and Mad Dog Weed. The herb is called Skull Cap because the inverted calyx cup looks like a helmet with the visor raised - it also looks somewhat like a skull. The nickname Mad Dog Weed is because Dr. Vanderveer (a New Jersey physician) used Skull Cap in the 1700's to treat 400 people who had been bitten by rabid dogs. Skull Cap is a member of the mint family and a native of North America, where it thrives in moist woodlands. The species name lateriflora refers to the fact that the flowers only grow on one side of the stem. In pagan handfasting ceremonies, a cup of Skull Cap was passed when couples wanted to make vows that extend beyond this life. The Scullcaps, belonging to the genus Scutellaria, are herbaceous, slender, rarely shrubby, labiate plants, scattered over different parts of the world, in temperate regions and tropical mountains, being especially abundant in America. Skull Cap relaxes states of nervous tension while simultaneously renewing and reviving the central nervous system. Skull Cap has traditionally been used in combination with Valerian as a mild sedative for anxiety. It has also been used in patented medicines for "female problems." It has a specific use in the treatment of seizure and hysterical states, as well as epilepsy. This herb may also be used in all exhausted or depressed conditions, and can be used in the easing of pre-menstrual tension. Primary chemical constituents of Skull Cap include lignan, tannin, essential oil, flavonoids (scutellarin), scutellonin, isoscutellarin, wogonin, baicalin, baicalein, beta-sitosterol, bitter (scutellaine) palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, phenols, tannin, calcium, B vitamins. Chinese research has shown that extracts of Skull Cap are active against a range of bacteria, and that the herb is an effective antiviral agent to treat the flu. It is often prescribed for acute tonsillitis and strep throat. The constituent baicalin also appears to inhibit tumor growth and has strong anti-inflammatory activity. Both baicalin and baicalein are powerful antioxidants, protecting red blood cells from free radical damage better than vitamin E can. They both show some promise in preventing the oxidation of blood fats, although baicalein appears to be more active. Skull Cap has strong tonic, nervine and antispasmodic action, and is slightly astringent. This herb also aids sleep, improves circulation, strengthens heart muscles, increases blood clotting time, relieves muscle cramps, pain, spasms and stress. Skull Cap is useful in treating anxiety, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, headache, hyperactivity, nervous disorders and rheumatism. This botanical has also shown potential in treating barbiturate addiction and drug withdrawal. And finally, Skull Cap improves motor ability and impairment of the senses. Scutellarin is transformed by hydrolysis into scutellarein which helps stimulate the brain to produce more endorphins - this is said to enhance both awareness and calmness.