Skullcap Herb

Also Known As – Scutellaria lateriflora

Organically Grown USA

Overview - Native to the East Coast of North America, skullcap is a small plant with square stems and small heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges. The flowers range from blue to lavender and are hooded and tube-shaped. The plant blooms from May to August, which is when the plant is harvested.

Medicinal Uses - Scullcap has a calming and relaxing effect on the body and can be used during the day to restore balance to an overworked individual or in the evening to promote normal, healthy sleep. It should be noted that ever since Skullcap began to be used as a medicinal plant, it has been prepared from the fresh plant parts.

• The herb is being used to treat ADD and similar disorders. This herb can lower blood pressure and ease muscle tension and spasms such as occur with Parkinson's disease. Historically, it was used to treat rabies, hence its nickname of "mad dog." Studies have shown that it eases inflammation and the release of histamines. It has also been effective for anorexia, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, mild cases of Tourette's syndrome and seizures.

Herbs to Combine/Supplement - To make a calming herbal tea, combine skullcap with passionflower, chamomile and lemongrass and steep for 15 minutes. After straining, this tea can be taken throughout the day without worry.

• The Chinese blend scullcap with stinging nettle for an herbal remedy for hay fever. 

Active Constituents - This plant is a nervine and contains numerous flavanoids and flavones including the flavanoid glycoside scutellarin. It also contains baicalin, wogonin, lignans, resins, essential oils, tannins, and iridoids. 

Parts Used – Both the leaves and the small flowers are used to make herbal teas and tinctures. They are also dried and powdered to put into capsules.

Precautions - Pregnant women should not take scullcap, as it can induce a miscarriage. Overdosing can cause stupor, giddiness, twitching and confusion. Occasionally you may experience cramping or diarrhea.

Preparation and Dosage - To make a medicinal herbal tea, add 1 tablespoon of scullcap to 1 cup of water at the boiling point. Steep this solution for 15 minutes. For severe forms of anxiety, 3 to 6 cups of this herbal tea can be taken for a day or two. After that, the dosage must be reduced to 2 to 3 cups per day as needed. For long term use or for less severe cases, take 1 to 3 cups per day.

• If you are taking a tincture, ¼ to 1 full teaspoon of tincture can be taken 2 to 4 times per day, depending on your response to the herb. Start with the lowest dose and gauge your reaction before increasing.
• If you prefer capsules, take 2 capsules 2 to 4 times per day as needed.

Disclaimer - These products are not intended to diagnose, treat cure or prevent any disease. Reviews are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care or the advice of a physician or another medical professional. Actual results may vary among users. Mountain Maus Remedies LLC makes no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or validity of the information contributed by outside product review submissions, and assumes no responsibility or liability regarding the use of such information. The information and statements regarding the dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your health care provider. If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you should work with your health care provider before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen, including augmenting your regimen with any herb or dietary supplements. Do not attempt to self-diagnose any disease or ailment based on the reviews and do not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or suspect you have an undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician or health care practitioner.