Scullcap (baikal skullcap)

Scullcap is a plant that is also called Baikal Scullcap, Chinese Skullcap, Escutelaria Asiatica, Huang Qin, Huangquin, Hwanggum, Ogon, Ou-gon, Racine de Scutellaire du Lac Baïkal, Radix Scutellariae, Scutellaire, Wogon, and other names.

Scullcap taken by mouth has been used to treat arthritis, lung problems, hay fever, seizures, HIV or AIDS, and hepatitis. Scullcap applied to the skin has been used to treat psoriasis, sores or swelling, and hemorrhoids. However, research has not proven that scullcap is effective for these conditions.

It is not known if scullcap is effective in treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved the medicinal use of this product. Scullcap should not be used instead of medication prescribed by your doctor.

Scullcap is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal products, and some supplements on the market have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Scullcap may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You may also want to consult a practitioner who is trained in herbal/health supplements.

If you decide to use scullcap, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

Do not take topical (for the skin) scullcap by mouth. Topical forms of this product are meant only for use on the skin.

Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc.) of scullcap at the same time without medical advice. Using different types together increases the risk of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with scullcap does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you take.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• diabetes.

It is not known whether scullcap will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether scullcap passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. An injection form of scullcap given by a qualified healthcare provider is considered possibly safe when used in children for up to 7 days.

Get emergency medical help if you notice any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using scullcap and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• signs of swelling in your lungs--anxiety, sweating, pale skin, severe shortness of breath, wheezing, cough with foamy mucus, chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat; or
• liver problems--nausea, pain in the upper stomach, itching, feeling very tired, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of scullcap may include:

• drowsiness;
• fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not use extra scullcap to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Drinking alcohol can make you more drowsy if you take scullcap.

Do not take scullcap with other herbal or 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.

Taking scullcap with medicines that make you sleepy can increase this effect. Avoid taking scullcap with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Do not take scullcap without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• insulin or oral diabetes medicine;
• lithium; or
• a sedative such as Valium.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with scullcap, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and Herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.