Baikal skullcap: medicinal properties and contraindications

One of the most popular plants in non-conventional medicine is Baikal skullcap. This perennial in ancient times saved people from cancer, inflammatory processes, diseases of the heart and nervous system. And today, Baikal skullcap is no less in demand. To appreciate the beneficial effects of the plant on the body and its health benefits, it is important to know what it is rich in, what properties it has and how to take it.

Chemical Composition

Baikal skullcap is a plant rich in useful substances that can be used for treatment and recovery. Due to the fact that the active components are present in the rhizome in high concentration, the use of raw materials gives a pronounced effect.

In Chinese traditional medicine, hellebore has been used for centuries. It was there that this perennial was first recognized by evidence-based medicine as a plant with a pronounced therapeutic effect. But to date, skullcap is not a pharmacopoeial plant, as there is not enough research on the subject of its composition. But even what scientists have been able to find out so far is proof of its benefits.

In the composition of Baikal skullcap, at least 8 types of substances were found that are present in significant concentrations and have beneficial effects on human health.

1. Flavonoids of four types: vogonin, scutellarein, baicalein and baicalin.
2. Saponins are active components, powerful stimulants and adaptogens of a broad spectrum.
3. Steroids and phytohormones - β-sitosterol, phytosterol, campestrin, stigmasterol. These are substances that provide anti-cancer effect, normalize hormonal background and prolong youth.
4. Coumarins are active substances that thin the blood and relieve spasms. Coumarins are useful for the prevention of stroke, thrombosis, heart attack. Irreplaceable substance of this group in hypertension.
5. Tannins have the ability to stimulate tissue regeneration, eliminate inflammation. They are essential for the healing of ulcers and the elimination of inflammation. In addition, tannins have the ability to prevent the aging of cells and tissues, activating their recovery.
6. Plant resins are substances that have a bactericidal, stimulating effect. Also in the rhizome are resinous organic acids - antioxidant and antitumor effects.
7. Vitamins: PP (rutin), A (retinol), E (tocopherol), B1, B2, B6, B9.
8. Micro- and macroelements: zinc, magnesium, selenium, potassium, molybdenum, iodine, calcium, potassium.

The active ingredients of the baikal skullcap have a number of pronounced therapeutic effects, thanks to a special set of active ingredients that combine to produce a synergistic effect. But there is a disadvantage in that the rhizome of the plant is rich in such substances, so an overdose can have negative consequences.

How it looks and where it grows

Despite the fact that Baikal skullcap is a popular medicinal plant around the world, it is not found everywhere in nature. This plant is a member of the Juniperaceae family and is a member of the large genus Chemnicum, which is represented by 460 species. Scutellaria baikalis is a herbaceous plant with a perennial cycle of development. It grows naturally in eastern Europe and Asia.

Botanical characteristics:

• The root system is well developed, rod-like, goes deep down to 1 m;
• plant height - about 50-60 cm;
• stems thin, straight, sometimes branched;
• leaves opposite, linear;
• inflorescences are paniculate;
• The flowers are asymmetrically shaped, purple in color.

The Chinese hellebore is undemanding, so it can grow quickly in any conditions. The plant prefers loamy sandy soils with a neutral Ph. It can be grown at home if transplanted by dividing the rhizome, cuttings. If planted by seeds, the plant will take a very long time to mature.

Species

The genus Helmet has more than four hundred species, but not all of them have therapeutic value. Baikal skullcap is the most significant species for non-conventional medicine. It is also not uncommon to use such species:

• common;
• squat;
• lanceolate;
• Altai.

Due to the fact that these varieties contain fewer active components, it is more appropriate for therapeutic purposes to choose just the Baikal skullcap as the most effective medicinal plant representing this genus.

Collection and storage

Self-gathering herbal raw materials for the purpose of harvesting should be done only in safe places. Even the most useful medicinal plants can be potentially dangerous to human health and life if basic collection rules are not followed.

1. Safe plants should only be collected in an area away from highways. Plants near highways and freeways are toxic because they accumulate heavy metals and other poisons from automobile exhaust fumes.
2. It is forbidden to collect medicinal raw materials in places near industrial plants and factories. Herbs can also be toxic and accumulate poisonous substances.
3. It is strictly prohibited to collect raw materials in regions with high radiation background, because the plants will be potentially dangerous and carcinogenic, which can cause great damage to the body.
4. It is also not allowed to collect near cemeteries, cemetery and livestock facilities.
5. As Baikal skullcap is a perennial, and collecting involves digging out with a root, you should leave 2-3 plants on each square meter of thickets.
6. Collect only mature plants that are at least 6-7 years old, with at least 5 mature stems.
7. It is not a good idea to pick from the same place every year. You can return to the old place after at least 7-8 years.
8. The collection should be started no earlier than mid-September. By this time, Baikal skullcap has time to be fully inseminated, as well as the active substances in the rhizome are accumulated in maximum concentration.

Knowing the basic rules, you can wait for the season and start collecting raw materials. In order to succeed in obtaining quality medicinal raw materials, you need to follow these instructions:

1. Carefully dig up the roots with a shovel together with the root ball to avoid damaging them.
2. Immediately cut off the above-ground part of the plant.
3. Shake off the roots from the ground, but in any case do not wash.
4. Dry raw material 14-20 days.
5. After drying, sort out the roots, remove the spoiled parts.
6. Crush and pour for storage in a glass jar with a lid.

You can also store the raw material in bags of natural fabric. But in this case, it is important to maintain a stable air temperature and humidity in the room. Also, in a room where they store rhizomes of schlemnik, there should not be any pungent foreign smell. The maximum storage period of raw materials is 2 years. But if mold appeared on the rhizomes or they became moist, you can not use such raw materials for medicinal purposes, even if the storage period has not yet expired.

Therapeutic properties of Baikal skullcap

This is a plant with a rich composition, which contains active substances that regulate biological processes in the body. The main significant components are flavonoids and saponins, they produce a therapeutic effect. But auxiliary substances also increase the therapeutic properties of the plant when interacting with them. To date, studies have found 12 therapeutic properties of Baikal skullcap.

1. Hypotonic action - due to the content of substances that relax the smooth muscles and relieve spasm, the plant effectively reduces blood pressure.
2. Antiviral effectiveness - a result of the action of flavonoids. They reduce the activity of viruses and also protect healthy cells in which the infection has not yet had time to settle.
3. Antibacterial and bactericidal action is due to the presence of resins and organic acids. But scientists have not been able to find out against which strains of bacteria Baikal skullcap is effective. Therefore, in the case of bacterial infections, taking herbal remedies can only be considered as a supplement to antibiotics.
4. The ability to significantly slow the aging process. This property is the result of the presence in the perennial of antioxidants and saponins.
5. The neuroprotective effect is due to the large amount of flavonoids, as well as the abundance of minerals that restore the nervous system and normalize its functioning.
6. Antitumor effect - the activity of antioxidants and organic acids that can affect the already developed cancer cells. The ability to stop the growth of tumors has a scientific basis, but the main therapy for cancer taking herbal medicines is not a substitute.
7. The substances contained in the plant are capable of preventing blood clots and thinning the blood. Due to this, schlemnik effectively cleanses blood vessels and normalizes blood circulation.
8. The herb has the ability to activate regeneration of liver cells, protects them and prevents tissue degeneration processes in fatty disease, hepatitis and cirrhosis.
9. Scutellaria is used for the treatment of meteodependence. It is taken both as a symptomatic remedy and for long-term results.
10. The perennial is effective for hormonal disorders. It provides stabilization of the production of necessary hormones and compensates for their deficiency with plant analogues that are in its composition.
11. The effectiveness of schlemnik in dry coughs has also been proven - it liquefies sputum and improves its elimination from the body.
12. The plant has the ability to stimulate the functioning of the body's defense reactions, which is used in the treatment of conditions associated with reduced immunity.

Use the medicinal properties of the plant only if there are no contraindications. It is not necessary to refuse the main therapy - the components of the perennial will only complement it and increase the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals if used correctly.

Scutellaria baicalensis in folk medicine

In Chinese medicine, Baikal skullcap is one of the 50 most important plants. In many other countries, it is the subject of active study, as the plant has been found to contain a number of potentially useful substances. In order to experience in practice the therapeutic power of this perennial, it is important to know how to use it correctly for health purposes.

In case of hypertension.

Today, pharmaceutical companies use Baikal skullcap for the manufacture of medicines that effectively help with hypertension. It is possible to create a medicine yourself.

1. A tablespoon of crushed rhizome pour a glass of boiling water.
2. Boil in a water bath for 30 minutes.
3. Insist under a closed lid for 1-1.5 hours.
4. Strain and divide into three doses - in the morning, at lunch, and in the evening.

Treat hypertension according to this recipe should be at least 21 days, and after that take a break for a week and a half. When the break is over, if the symptoms of hypertension remain, you can repeat the course. If you need to relieve an attack of hypertension urgently, 100 ml of such decoction will help to reduce the pressure.

When neuroses and panic attacks

Alcoholic tincture of skullcap perfectly copes with panic attacks, as its components regulate the activity of the autonomic nervous system. The tincture also helps with neurosis. It can be used for such conditions and diseases:

• depressive disorder - 20 drops three times a day;
• Apathy - 30 drops in the morning for 3 weeks;
• Increased anxiety - in case of attacks;
• Excessive irritability - 20 drops 2 times a day;
• Chronic stress - 30 drops 1 time a day for 10 days.

It is also possible to take the tincture once as a sedative and relaxing remedy for stress. With a loss of strength and fatigue recommended tincture reception - 30 drops 1 time a day for 3-5 days.

From coughs.

Any disease accompanied by a dry cough can be relieved by an infusion of the rhizome of schlemnik with honey and soda. Prepare the infusion as follows:

• In a deep bowl mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda and a tablespoon of rhizome powder;
• Pour into a thermos;
• add 500 ml of boiling water.

Take such an infusion should be taken warm 5 times a day, adding 1-2 teaspoons of honey. Scutellaria liquefies phlegm, due to which it is quickly eliminated from the body. To speed up the process, you can use the same infusion of skullcap with baking soda for inhalation. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, in order to cleanse the body faster.

In case of meteodependence

The plant helps to restore the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, eliminates cerebral vasospasms and stabilizes blood pressure.

Decoction is made from 2 tablespoons of raw materials and 250 ml of water, boiled for 3 minutes and infused until completely cooled under a closed lid. Store the product should be in the refrigerator. In the case of meteodependence, it is recommended to take a decoction of rhizome decoction by courses under the following scheme:

• The first 3 days - 3 times a day for 20 ml;
• 5 days - 2 times a day for 20 ml;
• Seven days - 20 ml once a day (in the morning).

In order to achieve the success of the treatment, it is important to observe along with taking herbal remedy sleep mode. Without quality prolonged rest, the body will not be able to cope with the problem, and the situation will only get worse. If you are sensitive to changes in the weather and geomagnetic situation, you can take decoction of hellebore in an amount of 50 ml once to improve your well-being.

For the liver

Hepatoprotective properties of Baikal skullcap have long been used in alternative medicine. The perennial promotes rapid renovation and restoration of hepatocytes - functional cells of the liver. Indications for use of means on the basis of skullcap:

1. Chronic hepatitis of viral etiology in remission - the hellebore reduces viral activity, eliminates inflammation and protects cells.
2. Cirrhosis - only in the initial stages, when there is no pronounced liver dysfunction.
3. Fatty liver disease - at all stages.
4. Oncological diseases of the liver.

The main rule of treatment is to use only aqueous infusion and decoction. Alcoholic tincture is not suitable for the therapy of liver disease, because ethanol additionally loads it and leads to intoxication. The treatment of liver diseases with hellebore is quite long:

• The first course - 100 ml of decoction 2 times a day for 3 weeks;
• After ten days repeat, but already 50 ml of broth daily, twice a day;
• The third course - 50 ml daily for a month.

Also for the restoration of the liver is used mixture - powder thistle and hellebore in a ratio of 1:1. It is necessary to eat 1 teaspoon of dry mixture before each meal for 3 weeks.

For Women's Health

When PMS, during the onset of menopause, as well as to restore the menstrual cycle is shown the reception of alcoholic tincture or decoction of water skullcap of Baikal. It levels the hormonal background and can compensate for the lack of hormones. Take an alcoholic tincture should be under the following scheme:

1. With PMS - for 5 days on 30 drops in the first half of the day.
2. During menopause - 100 ml of broth daily in the morning, three ten-day courses with 1 week intervals.
3. From failures in the menstrual cycle - to drink a course of 28 days, daily 50 ml of infusion 3 times a day.

It is strictly forbidden to take preparations on the basis of skullcap in case of heavy menstruation or suspicion of open bleeding. The fact is that the active components of the plant reduce blood clotting, which can lead to health and life-threatening consequences.

Making preparations based on the plant

It is possible to prepare home remedies from skullcap by yourself. There are classic, universal recipes that have been used for centuries. The main thing is to observe the technology and proportions, then the medicine will turn out effective and will be able to be stored for a long enough time.

Infusion

An aqueous infusion is a remedy based on skullcap, which is used for preventive and cosmetic purposes. This dosage form is the least effective, since the concentration of active substances in this method of preparation is lower than in decoction or alcoholic tincture.

Prepare an infusion is the easiest way. You need to pour in a thermos of boiling water (500 ml) 2 tablespoons of raw materials. Insist at least 2 hours, and then take 100-150 ml for 10-15 minutes before a meal. Infusion must be prepared daily, because it can not be stored longer than 24 hours.

The liquid turns out a rich amber hue, with a pronounced aroma and a tartly bitter taste. If it is difficult to take an aqueous infusion in pure form, you can add honey, a small amount of sugar syrup or fresh berry jam, if desired.

Decoction

The most used dosage form is a decoction of skullcap. It contains a high concentration of the active components of the plant, so this method of preparing the medicine is considered the most reliable. To prepare a decoction, you need to act according to the following scheme:

• boil 250 ml of water;
• Pour into the boiling water 2 tablespoons of raw materials;
• Boil over low heat or in a water bath for 30 minutes;
• Infuse until it has cooled down;
• Strain and pour into a clean container for storage.

Take the broth is better in warm form, so it is absorbed more quickly, but you can store the finished medication for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Powder .

Prepare a powder of herbal raw materials can be used with a coffee grinder. In this format, plant raw materials are much more convenient to use. The powder can be used in these ways:

• for the preparation of ointments;
• powdering of poorly healing wounds;
• Chewed with jam or honey for an attack of hypertension;
• creating cosmetic care products.

To grind undried roots into a powder is not possible purely technically. Therefore, before grinding the roots, you need to dry them in a dryer or in a warm oven at a temperature no higher than 40 degrees.

Tincture

Tincture schlemnik can be done in two ways - in alcohol or in vodka. Both options are good, the only difference is in the dosage. Alcohol tincture is a concentrate, so you need to take it in a smaller amount. Vodka tincture is less concentrated, so you need to take more medication for 1 reception.

A classic recipe for making an alcoholic tincture:

1. 2 tablespoons of dried crushed roots of schlemnik pour 100 ml of pure medical alcohol.
2. Insist in a dark place for 2 weeks under a closed lid.
3. Store in the refrigerator.

If the tincture has become a little turbid, you need to strain it. To avoid this, during the period of infusion periodically shake the bottle or jar.

Vodka tincture is prepared according to the following recipe:

1. 50 g of plant raw materials and 0.5 l of vodka mix in a glass container with a lid.
2. Cover and leave in a cellar or refrigerator for 10-15 days.
3. Store in a cool, dark place.

Vodka tincture can retain its properties for up to 2 years, but it must be stored in a tightly closed container in a dark and cool place.

Tea

For preventive purposes and as a general tonic, tea from Baikal skullcap is used. It is easy to prepare, but the taste of the infused rhizome is not too rich. To complement the taste and aroma, as well as to enhance the usefulness of herbal raw materials, you can combine skullcap with such herbs:

• melissa - to normalize digestion;
• Echinacea - for apathy;
• St. John's wort - for ulcers and gastritis;
• lemongrass Chinese - with IBS, meteorological dependence;
• rosehip - for kidney disease and hypertension;
• Quill root - for the treatment of pancreatitis and cholecystitis.

Tea is brewed as follows - 1 spoon of crushed plant material steeped in a cup of boiling water. The tea should infuse for 3-5 minutes, then you can drink it with honey, lemon, jam or plain sugar.

Cosmetic applications

Perennial is used in several lines of Korean rejuvenating cosmetics, known throughout the world for its effectiveness. It is also used in body and hair care products. The substances contained in the rhizome have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair, and can solve various cosmetic problems.

Here are the results you can expect from the use of skullcap for hair and skin beauty:

• elimination of dandruff;
• stimulation of hair growth;
• stopping hair loss;
• restoration and improvement of nutrition of hair follicles;
• improvement of skin color, whitening;
• elimination of inflammatory processes;
• Acne cure;
• rejuvenation;
• smoothing of wrinkles;
• reduction of edema.

Due to such impressive properties, hellebore has become popular among connoisseurs of natural appearance care. Effective care products can be made on their own.

Infusion from dandruff

With dandruff, it is necessary to treat the scalp. The main cause of this phenomenon is activated fungal infections, as well as imbalanced Ph. Helmet contains antifungal components, normalizes the acid-alkaline balance, and accelerates tissue regeneration.

Skin compresses

With acne and the presence of boils on the skin will help compresses with a strong decoction of herbal raw materials. You can use compresses only if they do not cause an allergic reaction. First you need to prepare a strong decoction - boil 1 tablespoon of crushed into powder rhizomes in 200 ml of water for 20 minutes, infuse and strain through gauze, folded in several layers. Instructions for treatment:

• Before the compress, remove makeup and completely cleanse the skin;
• Soak a small piece of warm infusion sterile bandage folded in triplicate;
• Place on the problem areas of the skin and leave for 20 minutes.

After removing the compress does not need to wash. You can immediately apply antibacterial, anti-inflammatory light cream or milk.

Rejuvenating skin mask

To prepare a rejuvenating mask, you will need the following ingredients:

• dried rhizome powder - 1 teaspoon;
• white clay - 1 teaspoon;
• milk - 1 tablespoon.

All the ingredients should be mixed and slightly heated in the microwave oven or in a water bath. On cleaned and steamed skin, apply the mixture, gently rubbing it along the massage lines. Do not use the mixture on the eyelids. Wash off the mixture with warm water after 20 minutes at the earliest. After applying the mixture apply moisturizing or nourishing cream. Repeat the procedure every 3-4 days.

Hair growth mask

Fast hair growth, strengthening and renewal is a reality, even without expensive salon procedures. In this case, dry rhizomes of schlemnik will help. To prepare a caring mask, you need to grind the raw material into powder. The advantage of this recipe is that the mask can be prepared at once for 2 weeks. Ingredients for 1 treatment:

• 2 tablespoons of rhizome powder;
• 1 tablespoon natural honey;
• 1 tablespoon of castor oil.

If desired, you can add a couple of capsules of vitamin A and E oil solution to the mixture for an additional boost. The mixture should be prepared in a completely dry container, as the slightest contact with water will not produce a product that can be stored for a long time. For storage, the mask should be kept in a closed container and in the refrigerator. Instructions for use:

• Rub a small amount of the product into the scalp;
• Use a comb to distribute the remaining amount over the entire length of the hair;
• Cover your head with a rubber cap and wrap it in a towel;
• Rinse after 1 hour.

After using the mask hair should be dried naturally, without a hair dryer. Frequency of use - 2-3 times a week. Maximum duration of use without interruption is 3 months. After that, you should give your hair a month to rest and you can start using the herbal remedy again to improve their growth and condition.

Contraindications for use

It is a dangerous mistake to think that herbal raw materials are absolutely safe for the body. Despite the fact that the remedies from Baikal skullcap are natural medicines, they can still be potentially dangerous for the body. The main reason for harm from herbal remedies is the use with contraindications. Baikal skullcap is prohibited under such diseases and conditions:

• Pregnancy and lactation period;
• Bleeding of various localizations;
• Peptic ulcer and duodenal ulcer in the acute stage;
• Hypersensitivity and allergic reactions to this type of plant;
• Severe impairment of the functioning of the kidneys;
• urolithiasis;
• epilepsy.

In addition, taking medicines based on hellebore can have side effects. The risk of negative body reactions increases with abuse and exceeding the recommended dosage. Common side effects are:

• nausea;
• vomiting;
• hypotension;
• heartburn;
• dizziness;
• headaches.

To eliminate the side effects it is necessary to temporarily cancel the medication and give the body time to eliminate the excess active substances - up to 5-7 days. After that you can resume the course of treatment, but it is desirable to adjust the dosage so that the situation does not repeat. In case of overdose, it is necessary to perform gastric lavage, refuse to treat the skullcap for the recovery time. In severe cases, it is necessary to seek medical help urgently. During treatment, it is important to observe the drinking regime, because due to the diuretic effect, the body suffers a tremendous loss of fluid.

If you use the herb according to the rules and follow the recommended dosages, it will bring the body only benefits. Before using medicines based on Baikal skullcap is recommended to consult a doctor or phytotherapist to select an individual treatment regimen and optimal dosage.