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
Scull cap 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
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-

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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All the herbal products we sell are classed as food (rather than licensed medicines) and are considered safe. We advise you use herbs in moderation and watch for allergic reactions. This website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. All of the information on this website has been researched from the internet, books, articles and studies and/or our suppliers. We recommend that before taking a new herb that you research it yourself thoroughly and consult a herbal practitioner. The statements on the website have not been evaluated and should not be considered as medical advice. If you have a health problem, or you are taking any medication, or you are pregnant, breast feeding or concerned in any way then it is wise to consult a medical doctor and herbal practitioner before taking any herbs or Superfoods.

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Skullcap Herbal Information