Is skullcap safe for babies?

Understanding Skullcap and Its Safety for Babies
Skullcap, a flowering herb traditionally used in various forms of medicine, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in treating conditions like anxiety and insomnia. However, when it comes to its safety for infants and young children, caution is paramount.
Traditional Uses and Benefits
Historically, skullcap has been utilized in both Native American and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is often employed to alleviate stress, anxiety, and inflammation. Despite its long-standing use, the effectiveness of skullcap for these conditions has not been conclusively proven through rigorous scientific studies . This lack of definitive evidence raises questions about its appropriateness for vulnerable populations, such as babies.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
One of the significant concerns regarding skullcap is its association with liver injury, particularly when used in conjunction with other herbal products. While such cases are relatively rare, they highlight the potential risks involved with herbal remedies. Babies, with their developing bodies and systems, may be more susceptible to adverse effects from substances that are generally considered safe for adults.
Moreover, the specific dosage and formulation of skullcap can vary widely, which complicates its use in infants. The absence of standardized dosing guidelines for children further emphasizes the need for caution. Parents and caregivers should be particularly wary of administering any herbal supplements without consulting a healthcare professional.
Expert Recommendations
Health experts generally advise against giving herbal supplements, including skullcap, to babies and young children unless specifically recommended by a pediatrician. The delicate nature of an infant’s physiology means that even small amounts of certain herbs can lead to unexpected reactions.
In summary, while skullcap has a rich history of use in herbal medicine, its safety for babies remains uncertain. Given the potential for side effects and the lack of established guidelines for pediatric use, it is best to err on the side of caution. Parents should always consult with healthcare providers before introducing any new supplements or herbal remedies into their child’s diet.

How much skullcap is safe?

There is no recommended daily allowance for skullcap and insufficient scientific evidence to determine an appropriate range of doses.

Does skullcap increase estrogen?

Baikal skullcap might have some of the same effects as estrogen. However Baikal skullcap is not as strong as estrogen pills. Taking Baikal skullcap along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.

What are the side effects of skullcap pills?

When taken by mouth: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if skullcap is safe. It might cause side effects such as decline in memory or thinking skills, stomach pain, and sleepiness.

What does skullcap do to the brain?

Calms Anxiety as a Nerve Tonic
Oxidative stress affects some brain-related diseases, such as anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and Parkinson’s disease, yet research indicates that bioactive compounds found in medicinal plants, such as skullcap, may neutralize and even eliminate toxic free radicals.

What is the warning for skullcap?

High doses of the tincture may cause giddiness, stupor, mental confusion, twitching, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. American skullcap should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Is skullcap safe for pregnancy?

Chamomile, skullcap, hops, milky oats and passionflower are all considered safe during pregnancy, and can provide much-needed and welcome relief to a pregnant body and mind. Raspberry Leaf tea has long been used as a female tonic, and is recommended during the last trimester of pregnancy.

What herbs should be avoided during pregnancy?

Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Scientific Name	Common Name(s)	Form of Use
Peumus boldus	Boldo	Tea
Piper methysticum	Kava kava	Liquid extracts, capsules
Rhamnus purshiana	Espino cerval, Buckthorn	Tea, capsules
Rheum spp	Ruibarbo, Rhubarb	Tea, capsules

What not to mix skullcap with?

Possible Interactions with: Skullcap

• Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote)
• Barbiturates.
• Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium)
• Drugs to treat insomnia, such as zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and ramelteon (Rozerem)

What herbs should not be mixed with skullcap?

Avoid taking scullcap with other herbal/health supplements that can cause drowsiness. This includes 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), calamus, California poppy, catnip, gotu kola, Jamaican dogwood, kava, melatonin, St. John’s wort, valerian, yerba mansa, and others.

Is skullcap safe for children?

Neither American skullcap nor Chinese skullcap is recommended for children.