Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Skullcap
American scientists are almost unanimous in their condemnation of skullcap. They’ve never gotten over those old, mistaken claims that it treats rabies. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) current official assessment echoes the 1943 edition of The Dispensatory of the United States, which stated: “Skullcap is as destitute of medicinal properties as a plant may be. When taken internally it produces no obvious effects and probably is of no remedial value.”
Tranquilizer - Sedative. Of course, 1943 was a long time ago.
Since then, some European and Russian researchers have lent support to skullcap’s traditional use as a tranquilizer. European medical experts now accept skullcap’s potential usefulness as a tranquilizer and sedative, and it is used in many commercial sleep preparations that are widely available in Europe.
Intriguing Possibility - Two Japanese animal studies showed skullcap increases levels of “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins or HDLs). As HDLs increase, the risk of heart attack decreases. These findings suggest the herb may potentially help prevent human heart disease and some strokes.
Chinese physicians claim to have treated hepatitis successfully with the herb. It’s too early to tout skullcap for this potentially serious liver disease, but the herb deserves further research.
Rx for Skullcap
For a tranquilizing infusion, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. Skullcap tastes bitter; adding honey, sugar, and lemon or mixing it with an herbal beverage blend will improve flavor.
Skullcap should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.