Skullcap
(Scutallaria Lateriflora)
Also called: Mad-dog skullcap, Virginia skullcap, Blue skullcap, blue pimpernel, helmet flower, hoodwort, mad-dog-weed, sideflowering skullcap.
Description:
The
fibrous, yellow rootstock produces a branching stem from 1 to 3 feet high,
with opposite, ovate, serrate leaves that come to a point.
The axillary,
two-lipped flowers arenpale purple or blue, blooming from July to September.
Like all skullcaps, the plant takes its name from the dish-shaped seed pods,
while its botanical name derived from the growing pattern of the flowers
which appear on only one side of the stem.
Virginian skullcap grows easily in British gardens and 'will self-seed enthusiastically
- to the point where it can become invasive.
Part used: Whole herb.
Source: Skullcap is a North American perennial plant
which grows in wet places in Canada and the woods of northern and eastern
U.S.
S. baicalensis,
a species that has been the subject of recent research, grows in southwestern
China and the sandy fields of northeastern China and neighbouring Russia.
Properties and Use: Anti-bacterial, antispasmodic, cooling, digestive stimulant, hypotensive. lowers cholesterol levels, relaxing and restorative nervine, styptic. A nerve tonic, sedative and diuretic.
Considered as a sedative and nervine by Western herbalists but may also
be used to reduce fevers, calm the foetus and stimulate the digestion.
An infusion
of skullcap is good for spasms and convulsions and for nervous conditions,
such as excitability, insomnia, and general restlessness.
It has also been
recommended for rheumatism, neuralgia, and delirium tremens.
Virginian skullcap was first introduced into Europe in the 18th century
and was used as a treatment for rabies - hence its alternative name of "mad
dog".
It was used by the Cherokee to encourage menstruation and also
to treat diarrhoea and breast pains.
It was reputed
to be effective against rabies.
European skullcap species (such as S. galericulata)
have very similar properties although there is little tradition of using
them in herbal medicine.
Drink skullcap tea to encourage relaxation and combat anxiety and nervous
tension.
Skullcap tea can also be useful to soothe pre-menstrual tension.
In
China the root of S. baicalensis (Huang Qin) is regarded as a
cooling remedy for the stomach and lungs and is used to clear "heat" which
in Chinese theory may cause diarrhoea, jaundice and gastroenteritis.
This variety of skullcap is also anti-bacterial, antispasmodic. diuretic
and will stimulate bile flow.
Forms available: Capsules, teas, tinctures, combination products.
Preparation and Dosage:
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp. dried plant in a teacup of water for 30 minutes. Take
three or four times a day.
Tincture: A dose is from 3 to 12 drops, taken in hot water.
Important information: Some bulk supplies of skullcap were found
in the past to be contaminated with germander (Teucrium spp.),
a plant that has been linked to liver damage.
If you buy skullcap in bulk,
purchase it from a reputable source.
