Skullcap
Botanical Name: Scutellaria lateriflora Botanical Family: Lamiaceae Definition and Etymology: Greek krataios meaning strong, referring to the hardness of its wood, or kratos meaning “always having been there”. The English name hawthorn derives from Old English hagadorn. References to its beauty have been made since ancient times, and some believe that it was the source of the crown of thorns placed upon the head of christ. Common Names: "Skullcap Madweed Hoodwort Helmet Flower" History: Aided in expelling the placenta after birth, poultices topically for breast pain. Iroquois administered powdered roots to prevent smallpox. Folklore: Identification: Herbaceous perennial, slender beige rhizomes. Herb is 20 - 80cm tall. Has hairy, quadrangular branching stems with opposite, vibrant gree, oblong -lanceolate or ovate pointed leaves with serrated margins . Numerous deep violet-blue or pinkish -purple (occasionally white or pink) one sided flowers are arranged in axillary recemes originating from the leaf axil. Tubular, two-lipped corollas 6 - 8mm long are encircled by fused sepals, the upper ip is hooded with raised appendages, the four stamens and a four lobed ovary produces four yellow warty fruits Habitat: Temperate climates worldwide, 350 species worldwide and 24 of those are native to the united states. Wild species grow along the banks of streams, rivers, lakes, damp woodlands, and moist mountain meadows. Scutellaria latiflora is indigenous to eastern North America Parts Used: Foliage, stems, and flowers Herbal Actions: Antispasmodic, Bitter Tonic, Euphoric, Immunomodulator, Nervine, Sedative, Stomachic, Trophorestorative, Energetics: Cool and Bitter Constituents: Flavonoids, tannins, iridoids, chrysin-7-glucoronide, volatile oils, luteolins, oroxylin-a, wax,lignan, fat, resins, sugar, and celluose (others) Indications: Most effective for nervous debilitation, reduces patterns of sympathetic (adrenalin) stress, reduces anxiety, agitation, and premenstrual irritability, decreases caffeine or adrenalin induced jitters, most are capable of ingesting throughout the day without experiencing sedation, treats chronic insomnia, improves sleep in individuals withdrawing from prescription antidepressants, analgesics, anxiolytics, or sedatives, mood elevating and euphoric properties, aids in treating milder forms of depression, supporting during pharmaceutical or recreational drug withdrawal, reduces nerve hypersensitivity, and teats nerve related conditions, reduces pain from pinched nerve or misaligned spine, as well as neuralgia or sciataica, reduces nerve spasms and tremors associated with multiple sclerosis and Parkinsons, reduces pain associated with herpes and shingles, reduces smooth muscle spasms, alleviates intestinal and menstrual cramps reduces pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia, reduces muscular guarding when taken before a deep tissue type massage, tension headaches, encourages digestive secretions, reducing nerve related digestive problems such as loss of appetite, nonulcer dyspepsia and IBS, reduces digestive cramping Cautions and contraindications: Discontinue if causes acid indigestion Pregnancy and Lactation: No contraindications Preparations: "Tincture: fresh aerial parts 1:2 - 1:4 70 - 95% ETOH recently dried (must be within the last year) 1:5 at 60% ETOH Glycerite: Fresh aerial portions 1:2 - 1:4 50% glycerin and 50% ETOH Tea: hot water that has not been boiled 8 - 12 ounces Topical: poultice, fomentation, paste, tincture, liniment" Dosages: "Tincture: 15 - 90 drops 4x aday Glycerite: 10 - 60 drops 3x a day Tea: 1 - 4x a day "
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:
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
Christina Sinadinos, David Hoffman, Bryan Bowen, all relevant CHSHS lectures.