Scutellaria lateriflora
Skullcap
Nourishes and strengthens the nervous system. Used for nervous exhaustion, chronic stress, and adrenal fatigue caused by emotional strain or prolonged overwork. Reduces overstimulation of the sympathetic nerves and lowers circulating adrenalin, easing restlessness, irritability, and insomnia from tension. Beneficial for individuals who feel depleted but unable to relax
From Latin scutella meaning “little dish” or “small shield,” referring to the distinctive shield-like calyx of the flower.
Skullcap is most effective for nervous debility and symptoms of sympathetic overactivation. It reduces anxiety, agitation, and premenstrual irritability, and eases caffeine- or adrenaline-induced jitters. It supports those with chronic insomnia, including individuals withdrawing from antidepressants, analgesics, anxiolytics, or sedatives. Skullcap has mild mood-elevating and euphoric qualities, helpful in milder forms of depression or nervous exhaustion.
It reduces nerve hypersensitivity and treats nerve-related pain such as neuralgia, sciatica, misalignment-related nerve compression, herpes, and shingles. Skullcap decreases tremors and spasms associated with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, and relaxes smooth muscle, easing menstrual cramps, intestinal spasms, trigeminal neuralgia, and tension headaches. It can reduce muscular guarding when taken before bodywork. Skullcap also supports digestion by increasing secretions and relieving nerve-related digestive issues such as loss of appetite, nonulcer dyspepsia, IBS, and digestive cramping.
Traditionally used to ease nervous irritation, calm agitation, and assist postpartum recovery. Used by the Iroquois, who administered powdered roots to prevent smallpox. Historically applied as a poultice for breast pain and as a supportive remedy after childbirth.
A herbaceous perennial 20–80 cm tall emerging from slender beige rhizomes. Stems are hairy, quadrangular, and branching with opposite, bright green, oblong-lanceolate to ovate leaves with serrated margins. Flowers appear in one-sided axillary racemes with deep violet-blue, pinkish-purple, or occasionally white tubular corollas (6–8 mm). The two-lipped corolla has a hooded upper lip and encircling fused sepals. After flowering, the four-lobed ovary forms four small yellow, warty nutlets.
Discontinue if it causes acid indigestion. Otherwise considered safe.
Tincture:
- Fresh aerial parts 1:2–1:4 (70–95% alcohol)
- Recently dried herb (within one year) 1:5 (60% alcohol)
15–90 drops, up to 4× daily
Glycerite:
Fresh aerial parts 1:2–1:4 (50% glycerin / 50% alcohol)
10–60 drops, 3× daily
Tea:
Hot water infusion (not boiled)
8–12 oz, 1–4× daily
Topical:
Poultice, fomentation, paste, tincture, or liniment as needed
Christa Sinadinos, David Hoffman, Bryan Bowen, all relevant CHSHS lectures.