Skullcap Herbal Information
NAME
Skullcap
LATIN NAME
Scutellaria lateriflora
ALSO KNOWN AS
Scullcap, hoodwort, quaker bonnet, helmet flower, European skullcap, greater skullcap, American skullcap, blue skullcap, blue pimpernel, hoodwart, hooded willow herb, side-flowering skullcap, mad dog weed, and mad weed.
ORIGIN
North America
PARTS USED
Aerial parts
TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF SKULLCAP
Skullcap is known to calm nervous tension and anxiety, it acts as a natural tranquilizer. It is a tonic for the nervous system and can help both physically and psychologically. It has been used for these conditions
Shingles
Herpes
Neuralgia
Sciatica
Depression
Debility
Headaches
Anxiety
Nervous tension
Insomnia
Drug / Alcohol withdrawal
Fever
PMT
PMS
Epilepsy
Seizures
It combines well with -
Passion flower, Valerian.
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY OF SKULLCAP!<</strong>>!!
Skullcap is well known among the Cherokee and other Native American tribes, as a strong emmenagogue and medicinal herb for females. It is used in some tribes as a ceremonial plant to induct young girls into womanhood. Native Americans used skullcap to promote menstruation, and it was reputed to be effective against rabies, hence some of its common names. Cherokee women use skullcap to maintain healthy menstrual cycles, and a root decoction is taken after the birth of a child to stimulate the reproductive system. Skullcap is also used in purification ceremonies if menstrual taboos are broken. The Iroquois use an infusion of the root to keep the throat clear. Other Native American tribes use closely related species as bitter tonics for the kidneys. The herb is used to induce visions and as a ceremonial plant to be smoked as tobacco by some Native Indians.
CONSTITUENTS
Other Skullcap phytochemicals include flavones, flavonoids, chrysin, iridoids, neo-clerodanes, scutapins, and isoscutellarein.
TYPICAL PREPARATIONS
AND SUGGESTED DOSAGE OF SKULLCAP-
Skullcap Herbal Tincture-
Extraction ratio1:3
alcohol vol. 45%
2-4ml up to 3 times per day.
Or as recommended by a herbal practitioner.
Skullcap cut herb-
1-2 teaspoon cut herb per 1 cup of boiling water up tp 3 times a day.
Or as recommended by a herbal practitioner.
PRECAUTIONS
Do not take along side other tranquilisers or sedatives.
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