Chinese and American Skullcap- herbs

Although one would be inclined to think of the Pope when hearing the word “skullcap”, it can also refer to two herbs, American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicallensis).
The two plants are from the same family, but serve different purposes when it comes to medicinal uses, and have different physical characteristics. As their full names suggest, they also grow in entirely different parts of the world. The American skullcap is native to North America, but found in Europe and elsewhere, whereas the Chinese skullcap is found in China and Russia.
The plants get their name from the shape of their small blue or purple flowers, which are hooded, tube-shaped and two-lipped. The upper lips form a hood, and the lower lid has two lobes.

Growing to between 2 and 4 feet in height and having leaves that grow to some 3 inches long, the American skullcap is a slender and heavily-branched plant. On the other hand, the Chinese skullcap has single, narrow and erect stems that bear inch-long bluish-purple flowers. Its skinless and yellow root anchors the plant. Here’s all you need to know about American and Chinese skullcap:

American Skullcap

American skullcap has antioxidant properties that are believed to protect against Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, and depression.
These properties have also been found to boost antioxidant activity in the liver, which is considered to be one of our organs that takes longest to recover. American skullcap boosts the liver’s efficiency, helping it to reduce toxin levels in the body and the blood. In turn, this leads to enhanced well-being.
• Sedative
Seeing as it’s a nervine, American skullcap can help to treat epilepsy, hysteria, panic attacks, anxiety, and delirium tremens. What’s more is that it can induce sleep naturally, doing away with the side effects that come with over-the-counter prescription drugs and sleeping aids.
• Antispasmodic
Throat infections, headaches from stress, neuralgia, and after-effects of incessant coughing can all be taken care of with American skullcap. It’s even useful for treating individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms from tranquilizers and barbiturates. It’s also believed to be effective for treating anorexia nervosa, fibromyalgia, and mild Tourette’s syndrome.
• Analgesic
Not only can American skullcap offer pain relief throughout the whole body, but it can also reduce inflammation and help the body heal from wounds and inflammation.
Chinese Skullcap
Chinese skullcap is recognized as a very strong antiviral that can work against certain viruses, and it also has antibacterial properties that can work against certain virus strains. Furthermore, it’s also good for lessening symptoms of diabetes and hypertension. With that being said, more research needs to be done in human studies.
What Is Skullcap Used For?

Although both skullcap plants are used for medicinal purposes, it’s actually different parts of each plant that are used, namely American skullcap leaves and Chinese skullcap roots. American skullcap was widely used for two centuries to treat ailments such as anxiety, nervous tension, and convulsions.
Both plants are usually available in both powder and capsule form, however, American skullcap teas and extracts are also sold nowadays.
Certain Native American tribes are known to use American skullcap to treat rabies and schizophrenia. They also used it during spiritual ceremonies to induce hallucinations and see visions.
Chinese skullcap is used to relieve the following conditions:
• Allergies
• Common cold
Headaches
• Irritability
• Inflammation
• Infections accompanied by a fever
• Urinary tract infections
• Redness of the eyes and the face
• Abdominal pain
• Nosebleed
• Jaundice
• Diarrhea
• Dysentery
• Gout
• Vaginal bleeding
How to Grow Skullcap

American skullcap is best grown in partial shade as opposed to full sunlight and thrives on grassy slopes at high altitudes. It’s usually cultivated in sandy, rocky and dry soils, as well as in planting beds. It blooms in late spring, all throughout the summer or even early fall, depending on the climate it’s being grown in.
The seeds of both plants are best sown in early spring after the risk of frost has passed. They germinate at a naturally high rate and fare better if stratified for approximately one week.
Place the seeds in a sealed plastic bag with sand or a moist paper towel. Put them in your refrigerator, and leave them there for a week.
When the week is up, tamp the seeds lightly into the soil in flats that are about a ¼ inch deep. The seeds will germinate some two weeks after. When the first leaves have developed, begin transplanting the plant outdoors, ensuring that you leave a 12-inch gap between each row that you plant.
Water the plant moderately, ensuring that the soil is well-drained. You can also propagate skullcap plants by dividing roots or cuttings. The grown plants will eventually spread and clump, and they may even grow to be resistant to major pests.
Skullcap plants should be harvested when their flowers are in full bloom. Use shears or scissors to harvest the flowers and leaves. Make sure that you leave at least 3 inches of the plant above the ground when harvesting.
One Final Thing – Potential Side Effects of Skullcap
Always consult a physician before using skullcap, because it’s known to have several side effects. It also interacts with certain herbs, supplements or other medications. The effects of the sedatives below were all found to be increased when used in combination with both American and Chinese skullcap:
• Anticonvulsants like phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote)
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium)
• Insomnia-treating drugs like zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta) and ramelteon (Rozerem)
Pregnant or breastfeeding women must avoid skullcap due to potential complications that can arise. There are also certain varieties of American skullcap that are contaminated with germander, a group of plants that are thought to cause liver problems. The plant should always be bought from a reputable seller in order to avoid such issues.
Last but not least, Chinese skullcap should not be used by diabetics, especially if there’s no doctor supervision involved. The risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels can increase as a result of ingesting the herb, as well as strengthen the effect of diabetes drugs. You should also avoid Chinese skullcap if you have stomach or spleen problems. As advised above, always consult your physician prior to using either American or Chinese skullcap.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                             PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   

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Cervical cancer: Myths and facts

Of all the cancers affecting women, cervical cancer has emerged as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in India.

Women between 15 and 44 years of age are particularly at risk. There are about 122,000 new cases of cervical cancer annually in the country, with 67,500 women succumbing to the disease.

"Cervical cancer is mostly caused by the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV.It is a condition that affects lining of the cervix, or the lower part of the uterus. This cancer develops gradually and becomes full-blown over time," said a Dr.

HPV infection can spread through sexual or skin-to-skin contact. Though this infection usually goes away on its own over time in most women, in others, it can persist and cause precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix.

"Some symptoms of this cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal bleeding after menopause or sex, bleeding or spotting between periods, longer or heavier menstrual periods than usual, other abnormal vaginal discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse," the Dr. added.

As with any other disease, there are certain myths associated with cervical cancer as well.

# Myth 1 Women without a family history of cervical cancer do not need to get screened.
Those without a family history of this condition may also be at risk. This is because the HPV infection can spread through sexual contact. It is, thus, important to get take preventive measures and get Pap tests done.

# Myth 2 Pap tests should be done every year
There is no need to get a PAP test every year if this test and the one for HPV are normal. The recommended schedule is once in three years in women between 21 and 29; and once every five years in women between 30 and 64.
Those above the age of 64 should follow their doctor's advice.

# Myth 3 It is not possible to prevent cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. A Pap test can help determine any kind of changes in the cells of the cervix. Once any such change is detected, it is possible to start treatment early and prevent the cancer from developing. Pap test is imperative for anyone who has been sexually active or in women who have HPV and are smokers.

# Myth 4 Women with no symptoms need not get tested
HPV infections do not show any symptoms in most cases. While there are different types of HPV, some high-risk types are associated with cervical cancer and can go undetected until the development of abnormal cells. This makes it important for women to get tested on a regular basis.

# Myth 5 Women who have had a hysterectomy do not need to get tested
It is imperative to undergo a screening for cervical cancer irrespective of whether a woman has had a hysterectomy. Only those who have undergone a total  hysterectomy (a process where both cervix and uterus are removed) need not get screened.

# Myth 6 Pap test is similar to a pelvic exam
Pelvic exam is a physical examination of the pelvis, vagina, and pelvic floor (the area encompassed by the hip bones), whereas, in a Pap test, cells from the cervix are gently scraped away and examined for abnormal growth.

# Myth 7 Condoms can prevent HPV
Condoms can help prevent certain sexually prevented infections (STI). However, this may not be true for HPV as the virus can inhabit areas that condoms do not cover.

# Myth 8 Cervical cancer treatment can cause infertility
Advances in medicine and surgery have ensured that cervical cancer treatment does not affect fertility in a woman. These surgical treatments can help a woman conceive by removing only the cervix and not the uterus.

"Timely screening and detection are two very important aspects of combating cervical cancer, as it is a completely treatable condition. Apart from this, women should make some basic lifestyle changes to avoid contracting an infection. These include avoiding sexual contact with multiple partners; getting screened on a timely basis; quitting smoking; consuming a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; and maintaining a healthy weight. All these can go a long way in preventing cervical cancer," the Dr. concluded.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.    

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Cervical cancer: Signs and symptoms of the condition - and how to prevent it

Cervical cancer is a condition that develops in a woman’s cervix - the entrance to the womb.

While the cancer often doesn’t have symptoms in its early stages, there are some crucial signs of the disease.

Bleeding from the vagina at any time, other than during your monthly period, could be a sign of cervical cancer.

The bleeding can usually occur after having sex, the report said.

 Visit your GP for advice if you experience any type of unusual vaginal bleeding,” it said.

“Other symptoms of cervical cancer may include pain and discomfort during sex, and an unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge.

“If the cancer spreads out of your cervix and into surrounding tissue and organs, it can trigger a range of other symptoms.”

Constipation, finding blood in the urine, bone pain, loss of appetite and weight loss could all be signs of the condition.

Symptoms aren’t always obvious, and that’s why you should attend all of your cervical screening appointments, the NHS said.

The screening, otherwise known as a smear test, aims to spot abnormal cells on the cervix. 

Women aged between 25 and 49 should be screened every three years. If you’re aged 50 to 64, it’s every five years.

A 30 year old woman was diagnosed with cervical cancer in May 2017. She had no symptoms of the condition at all, she said.

“I was called for a routine smear test when I was pregnant but due to guidelines I was unable to have this until 12 weeks after delivery this is where they found severe abnormalities,” she told.

“I showed no symptoms at all. Even the consultants were gob-smacked when my results came back.
“My advice to other people would be to not fear the smear test. If I hadn’t have gone for mine, my story would have been a lot different.”

There’s no single way to prevent cervical cancer, but you can lower your risk by using a condom when having sex. Most cases of the cancer are linked to an infection from the human papilloma virus (HPV), and using a condom could lower the risk of infection.

 You can also be vaccinated against HPV, which “significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer”, the report said.

Smokers are also less able to get rid of the HPV infection from the body, so quitting smoking could lower your risk.

Two people died from cervical cancer everyday, and nine are diagnosed with the condition each day.

About 75 per cent of all cervical cancer cases could be prevented by smear tests, it’s estimated.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.    

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Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a form of cancer which occurs in the cervix or the lower part of the uterus in women, which opens up into the vagina. It has a high rate of being cured if detected early.
Causes of Cervical Cancer: Major cases of cervical cancer are caused by a virus known as the human papillomavirus or HPV. This virus gets transmitted from one person to another by sexual  contact. Abnormal changes in the cervix cells lead to cervical cancer. Usually, cell changes occur in the transformation zone in the cervix as the cells tend to change constantly, thereby leading to cancer.
Symptoms:

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, after menopause or after having sex.
2. Pain is experienced during sex.
3. Abnormal vaginal discharge is noticed.
4. Abnormal changes in the menstrual cycle.
5. Anemia due to abnormal bleeding from the vagina.
6. Recurring pain in the pelvis, back or leg.
7. Several urinary problems due to the blockage of the uterus.
8. Urine or stool leakage into the vagina.
9. Loss of weight.

Diagnosis
 Taking regular Pap smear test is recommended to detect abnormal cell changes so that cervical cancer can be prevented before hand. Other diagnostic tests include Colposcopy and cervical biopsy to determine the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix, Endocervical biopsy and Cone biopsy.

Treatment options available: 
Cervical cancer can be treated when detected at an early stage. The type of treatment depends on the stage and type of cervical cancer. The most common treatment methods are as follows:

1. Surgery - Several types of surgeries exist and the ideal one depends on the location and severity of the cervical cancer.
2. Radiation therapy involves the use of high dosage X-rays and implants within the vaginal cavity. This kills the cancer cells and is used in some specific stages of cervical cancer. This therapy is often used with surgery.
3. Chemo-radiation is a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. This procedure can be used at various stages of cervical cancer.
4. Chemotherapy involves using medicines for killing cancer cells. It is used in advanced stages of cervical cancer.

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SYMPTOMS OF UTERINE PROLAPSE

The uterus, or womb, is a muscular structure and is held in place by ligaments and pelvic muscles. If these muscles or tendons become weak, they cause prolapse and are no longer able to hold the uterus in its place.

Uterine prolapse happens when the uterus falls or slips from its ordinary position and into the vagina, or birth waterway. It could be complete prolapse or even incomplete at times. A fragmented prolapse happens when the uterus is just hanging into the vagina. A complete prolapse depicts a circumstance in which the uterus falls so far down that some tissue rests outside of the vagina. Likewise, as a lady ages and with a loss of the hormone estrogen, her uterus can drop into the vaginal canal. This condition is known as a prolapsed uterus.

The risks of this condition are many and have been enumerated as follows:

1. Complicated delivery during pregnancy
2. Weak pelvic muscle
3. Loss of estrogen during menopause causes atrophy of uterus 
4. Excessive straining on the abdomen and pelvic area ex. Chronic cough, chronic constipation, etc.
5. Being overweight
6. Obesity causing extra strain on the muscles
7. Pelvic surgeries in the pelvic zone
8. Smoking

Symptoms: Some of the most common symptoms of prolapse involve:

1. Feeling of sitting on a ball
2. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
3. Increase in discharge
4. Problems while performing sexual intercourse
5. Seeing the uterus coming out of the vagina
6. A pulling or full feeling in the pelvis
7. Constipation
8. Bladder infections

Nonsurgical medications include:

1. Losing weight and getting in shape to take stress off of pelvic structures
2. Maintaining a distance from truly difficult work
3. Doing Kegel workouts, which are pelvic floor practices that strengthen the vaginal muscles. This can be done at any time, even while sitting down at a desk.
4. Taking estrogen treatment especially during menopause
5. Wearing a pessary, which is a gadget embedded into the vagina that fits under the cervix and pushes up to settle the uterus and cervix
6. Indulging in normal physical activity

Some specialists use the following methods to diagnose the problem:

1. The specialist will examine you in standing position keeping in mind you are resting and request that you to cough or strain to build the weight in your abdomen.
2. Particular conditions, for example, ureteral block because of complete prolapse, may require an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) or renal sonography. Color is infused into your vein, and an dye is used to view the flow of color through your urinary bladder.
3. An ultrasound might be utilised to rule out any other existing pelvic issues. In this test, a wand is used on your stomach area or embedded into your vagina to create images of the internal organ with sound waves.If you've any specific problem,please consult your Gynecologist.                                                 
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Ovarian Cancer- early symptoms

This type of cancer attacks the ovarian tissues and is mostly common in women over the age of 50, but it can also appear in younger women. The reasons for contracting this type of cancer are not very well known. The known factors are genetic, avoiding getting pregnant, and fertility treatments.

 

Indigestion

Symptoms such as bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and gas can be indicative of ovarian cancer. Since many women experience these kinds of sensitivities in their digestive system, people rarely attribute it to cancer. This is why it’s important to have these symptoms checked, if only to rule out cancer.

 

Other symptoms:

Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly

Pelvic and lower-back pains

Frequent urination

Abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause

Lethargy 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

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