Content
- 1 The chemical composition of Scutellaria baikal
- 2 Useful properties of skullcap
- 3 Scutellaria harm
- 4 Contraindications to Scutellaria Baikal
- 5 How to drink Baikal skullcap
- 6 The use of Scutellaria baikal
- 7 Collection and storage rules
- 8 Photo of Scutellaria baikal
- 9 Conclusion
- 10 Reviews about the medicinal properties of the Baikal skullcap
Scutellaria baicalensis (lat. Scutellaria baicalensis) is a perennial herb of the Lamiaceae family, which has healing properties. Healers of the East have been using it for more than a thousand years in folk medicine for the treatment of many diseases. And modern scientists have paid attention to the plant quite recently. As a result of the studies carried out, the medicinal properties of Scutellaria of Baikal in disorders of the nervous system, anemia and oncological diseases were revealed. But this is not the whole list of the positive qualities of the plant.
The chemical composition of Scutellaria baikal
The healing properties of this plant are due to the unique chemical composition, which includes a large number of beneficial components for human health. Moreover, their combination is so unique that it significantly expands the range of application of Scutellaria Baikal. For medicinal purposes, the rhizomes of the plant are used.
The chemical composition of the Baikal skullcap includes:
- flavonoids:
- pyrocatechols;
- tannins;
- coumarins;
- steroids;
- pantothenic acid;
- glycosides;
- vogonin;
- isoflavones;
- glucuronic, vanillic, kojic acid;
- micro and macro elements.
Useful properties of skullcap
The presence of coumarins in the plant provides an antioxidant effect. Therefore, Scutellaria Baikal inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Moreover, drugs based on it are shown to people not only at the initial stage of the development of a malignant tumor, but also after chemotherapy to prevent metastases.
Other beneficial properties of the plant have also been proven. The Baikal skullcap has not only a tonic effect, but also helps to eliminate spasms that occur in the vessels, bile ducts and digestive organs. The plant helps to relieve anxiety, fear, tension, and also prevents seizures.
Studies conducted by Japanese scientists have shown that, thanks to flavonoids, Scutellaria Baikal:
- has an antiviral effect;
- reduces inflammation;
- restores the walls of blood vessels, increases their elasticity;
- stabilizes blood pressure;
- prevents blood clots.
Also, the presence of these components in the plant helps to normalize cerebral circulation and metabolic processes in the human body.
The combination of flavonoids and saponins in the Baikal skullcap helps relieve mental and physical stress. Pantothenic acid, which is also present in the composition, has a healing effect, activates cell regeneration.
The main indications for the use of Scutellaria baikal root:
- hypertension;
- arrhythmia;
- neuroses;
- diseases of the digestive system, excretory system;
- insomnia;
- nervous disorders;
- gastroenteritis;
- nephritis;
- diabetes;
- acute rheumatism;
- cold;
- viral infections;
- whooping cough;
- angina;
- pneumonia;
- bronchitis;
- stomatitis;
- tuberculosis;
- atherosclerosis;
- meningitis;
- allergic dermatosis;
- inflammation of the reproductive organs.
In external use, Scutellaria Baikal is effective for skin ulcers, boils. The extract of this medicinal plant is included in many cosmetics that are designed to care for aging and problem skin.
Scutellaria harm
Scutellaria Baikal can pose a danger to human health only if the rules for receiving funds based on it are ignored. In this case, the following side effects may appear:
- vomiting;
- hypotension;
- dizziness;
- nausea;
- heartburn;
- headache.
If you have at least some of the symptoms listed, you must stop taking Scutellaria Baikal. In the event of a slight deterioration in well-being, it is enough to simply allow the body to cleanse itself of an excess of active substances within 5-7 days. After this, the course of treatment can be resumed, but without exceeding the permissible norm.
In case of an overdose, it is recommended to perform a gastric lavage, and if severe intoxication appears, you should consult a doctor.
Contraindications to Scutellaria Baikal
The plant is not useful for everyone. There are a number of contraindications that need to be considered.
- pregnancy:
- bleeding of various localization;
- lactation period;
- exacerbation of stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers;
- individual intolerance;
- kidney dysfunction;
- urolithiasis disease;
- epilepsy.
How to drink Baikal skullcap
At the pharmacy, you can buy a ready-made extract of this plant for alcohol. It is a brown liquid in which a precipitate may form during long-term storage, which is normal. Therefore, it is recommended to shake the extract before use.
The drug is prescribed for the treatment of first and second degree hypertension, which are accompanied by neuroses and hyperexcitability.
You need to take such a remedy before meals, drinking 20 drops at a time from three to six times a day.
The duration of the course of therapy is 20-30 days. As a preventive measure, it can be repeated 2-3 times a year.
The use of Scutellaria baikal
This plant is widely used in folk medicine. It is not difficult to prepare healing products at home.
Tincture
The tool is considered the most effective in the treatment of ailments such as:
- neuroses;
- chronic fatigue;
- hypertension;
- headache.
For cooking, it is necessary to grind the dry roots of the Baikal skullcap to a powder consistency. Pour into a glass dark container and add medical alcohol (70%) in a 1: 5 ratio. After that, close the lid tightly and put in a dark place for 1.5 weeks. Shake the container regularly over time.
At the end of the waiting period, the tincture should be cleaned of impurities. Reception is carried out daily for two months, 25-30 drops three times a day. But before that, the tincture should be diluted with 30 ml of water.
Decoction
The tool is recommended for the treatment of the digestive system, liver, urinary system, as well as for spasms.
To prepare, you need 20 g of crushed dry roots of a plant, pour 300 ml of water and boil over low heat for 10 minutes. After that, pour the drink into a thermos, stand for 1.5 hours, strain.
Reception should be carried out in 15 minutes. before meals, 40 ml three times a day. Take a double course of treatment for 30 days with a break of two weeks.
Infusion
This remedy is best suited to normalize sleep, eliminate anxiety and nervous tension, and recover from stress.
To prepare it, you need 2 tbsp. l. Pour the finely crushed roots of Scutellaria Baikal into a thermos. And then pour the mixture with 500 ml of boiling water and close the lid tightly. Withstand 8 hours. Therefore, it is recommended to make the infusion in the evening, so that in the morning it is ready. Strain the drink before use. Take in the morning and evening, 100 ml before meals. The course of treatment is two weeks.
Tea
The healing properties of the Scutellaria baikal root also contribute to strengthening the immune system and recovering from an illness. Tea is best used for this purpose.
To prepare a drink, you need 1 tbsp. l. steamed the crushed raw materials in 250 ml of boiling water. Soak 3-5 minutes and then drink. To improve the smell and taste, it is recommended to add a collection of St. John's wort, lemon balm, echinacea while making tea. You can drink the drink regularly once every three days.
Collection and storage rules
It is recommended to collect medicinal raw materials no earlier than September-October. When harvesting, it is necessary to dig out the roots of Scutellaria baikal and cut off the upper part with a shovel. After the rhizome, thoroughly shake off the ground, wash and cut into pieces.
It is necessary to dry raw materials in a dark and well-ventilated area without exposure to sunlight. At the same time, it must be poured into a thin layer on paper and turned over daily to dry evenly. The dry workpiece should be carefully sorted out and cleaned of rotten areas and various impurities.
For long-term storage, it is better to use clothes bags so that the raw materials do not grow moldy. The shelf life is 36 months.
Photo of Scutellaria baikal
In order not to confuse a medicinal herb with others, you need to know its distinctive features. In the photographs presented, you can see the plant itself and the features of its appearance.
Conclusion
The medicinal properties of Scutellaria baikalis are very diverse due to their rich chemical composition. And when used correctly, this herb can help get rid of many health problems. But it should not be assumed that exceeding the indicated dosage will accelerate recovery, since it can lead to intoxication as a result of the accumulation of active ingredients. Therefore, when carrying out therapy, you must strictly adhere to all recommendations.
